Giacomo Guardi was from a Venetian family of artists which, just like Canaletto, specialised in painting views of their city. He was the son of the more famous Francesco Guardi, who painted imaginary landscapes as well as cities. His art followed his father’s example, but he often worked on a smaller scale. Views of Piazza San Marco are a recurring theme, as in this work whose composition, lighting and detail attain his father’s high level.