Literature & Fiction, Art, Europe 

More than a few art experts hail Giovanni Antonio Canal as one of the greatest artists of the eighteenth century. One writer of his time called him a happy genius, which was no exaggeration. The world knows him best as Canaletto. Born to a designer and painter of stage settings in 1697, Canaletto followed in his father s path and trained as a theatrical scene painter. He soon left the theater behind and became a vedutista a view painter. Venetians will remain forever grateful for his decision to change the direction of his artistic career. With brush and palette, he created a glittering vision of Venice that continues to define the splendor of that sun-drenched city of islands and lagoons. Canaletto took his talent abroad in 1746 and spent a decade in England, adding to his impressive body of work. But anyone who views his paintings and drawings will always associate him with Venice La Serenissima for Venice and Canaletto are one. - from Amzon