A Caprice Landscape with Ruins
- Artist: Bernardo Bellotto
- Date: 1740-1800
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
This is the "A Caprice Landscape with Ruins" painted in the Italian north. It's a fascinating piece that captures the essence of 18th century Italy, where ancient ruins stood alongside modern architecture. Look at how the crumbling arched portico seems to loom over the group of figures, who are all captivated by the statue of a lion - a symbol of Venice. The church spires and bell towers of the small town in the distance seem to pierce through the hazy sky.
The artist's style is reminiscent of Canaletto and Guardi, but it seems to be closer to that of Bernardo Bellotto, who was from Venice and traveled extensively around Italy, producing views of Rome, Florence, and Verona. Although it's not of high enough quality to be definitively attributed to him, the painting still gives us a glimpse into the artistic landscape of 18th century Italy.
See it in person
A Caprice Landscape with Ruins hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
