Views of 18th century Rome by Canaletto

Royal Collection

The Pantheon, signed and dated (1742) by Canaletto, Royal Collection

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In 1742 the great Venetian artist Giovanni Antonio Canal (1697-1768), better known as Canaletto, painted a series of five views of Rome. 

It is thought that the paintings formed a special commission for Canaletto's great friend and patron Joseph Smith (1682-1770), who was the British Consul in Venice from 1744 to 1760. Their tall and narrow format suggests that the paintings were probably designed for a specific location. 

In 1762 Smith sold his extensive collection of paintings (including the works by Canaletto), prints and drawings to King George III. 

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The Arch of Titus (1742) by Canaletto

The Arch of Septimius Severus (1742) by Canaletto

The Arch of Constantine (1742) by Canaletto

Ruins of the Roman Forum (1742) by Canaletto