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Francesco Guardi, 'Caprice View with Ruins', after 1780

About the work

Overview

This is one of three tiny pictures that have been grouped together since the early nineteenth century (the others show a man and child in a landscape with a derelict folly, and hard-working men beside a pool). It shows an elegantly dressed couple heading towards a pillared ruined arch, which appears in other pictures by Guardi. These foreground figures are only around one centimetre tall, but Guardi still managed to portray a sense of their movement, poses and dress.

Rich colours and bright light draw us into the scene. Guardi has created a glowing atmosphere – the elegant columns and domed roof reflect the sunlight, which also illuminates the white building beyond. These works, known as capricci or imaginary views, were bought as souvenirs by tourists to Venice, Guardi’s home city and where he spent his entire career.

Key facts

Details

Full title
Caprice View with Ruins
Artist dates
1712 - 1793
Date made
after 1780
Medium and support
oil on wood
Dimensions
10.1 × 6.1 cm
Acquisition credit
Salting Bequest, 1910
Inventory number
NG2521.2
Location
Not on display
Collection
Main Collection
Previous owners

About this record

If you know more about this painting or have spotted an error, please contact us. Please note that exhibition histories are listed from 2009 onwards. Bibliographies may not be complete; more comprehensive information is available in the National Gallery Library.

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