An Allegorical Painting of the Tomb of Lord Somers 1729

Canaletto’s Allegorical Painting of the Tomb of Lord Somers was created with oil paints, the same medium used to create the detailed cityscapes for which he was so well known. The labor of oil painting may not be as immediately evident as in some other crafts, but it is present nonetheless. Here, Canaletto deploys the characteristic texture of oil paint to suggest the textures of ruined stone, foliage, and human skin. This materiality lends itself to an exploration of themes such as the inevitability of decay. The painting's composition leads the eye through a series of architectural elements, creating a sense of depth and perspective. This illusionistic approach, enabled by the skilled manipulation of oil paint, invites viewers to contemplate themes of mortality, memory, and the passage of time. By considering the material, processes, and social context of Canaletto's painting, we gain a richer appreciation for its artistic achievement.