Old Walton Bridge 

Canaletto created this landscape painting, 'Old Walton Bridge', using oil paints on canvas. He was a master of Venetian light and color. Look closely and you will notice how the material qualities influence the painting’s appearance. The way light reflects off the oil paint creates a sense of depth and atmosphere. The smooth canvas allows for the creation of fine details, like the figures and foliage. Canaletto’s technique involves layering thin glazes of paint to build up colors and tones, a skill that demonstrates the labor involved in the painting process. Although he focused on topographical accuracy, the scene is imbued with a sense of tranquility and order. This focus aligned with the aesthetics of the wealthy patrons who commissioned such works to celebrate their power and ownership of the land. Recognizing the significance of materials, making, and context allows us to move beyond traditional interpretations of fine art.