Gezicht op Dolo 1707 - 1768

Canaletto’s Gezicht op Dolo offers a glimpse into 18th-century Venetian life. The detailed etching captures the town of Dolo, presenting a society bustling with commerce and daily activities along the Brenta Canal. Consider the artist’s position during this period; Canaletto's work appealed to wealthy tourists, predominantly white, who sought picturesque views of Venice and its surroundings. The detailed architecture and busy waterways reflect the economic vibrancy of the region, yet they subtly omit the harsh realities faced by the working class and marginalized communities. The composition invites us to consider the intersections of class and commerce. How does the representation of labor and leisure reflect the social hierarchies of the time? Canaletto presents a world of serene beauty, but what stories remain untold in this carefully constructed image? This etching serves as a window into a world of both privilege and exclusion, prompting us to reflect on whose stories are told and whose are left out of the frame.