Man Smoking a Pipe (recto); Standing Man and Two Studies of His Head (verso) 1697 - 1768

This drawing, by Canaletto, was made with pen and brown ink on paper. Canaletto, celebrated for his detailed views of Venice, used drawing as a crucial step in his artistic process. These drawings weren't mere sketches, but carefully observed studies capturing the light and shadow of everyday life. The fluid lines of the pen create a sense of immediacy, while the brown ink lends warmth and depth to the composition. Look closely, and you'll notice the economical way Canaletto uses line to convey form and texture, from the folds of the man's clothing to the subtle shading on his face. This directness is key, because Canaletto was interested in the working class. Here, the act of drawing itself becomes a form of documentation, capturing a fleeting moment in the life of an anonymous figure. The labor of representation is evident in every stroke. Canaletto elevates this everyday subject to a work of art. In doing so, he asks us to reconsider our own assumptions about value, labor, and the artistic process.