Venice : Canaletto and his rivals /

Organized by Beddington, this exhibition catalogue is not limited to Canaletto, but includes his predecessors and the artists who followed him. Bradley discusses the importance of Venetian ceremonies. Not all of the artists included were Canaletto's rivals. Giovanni Bellini and Joseph Heintz, who preceded Canaletto, are included, along with Canaletto's earlier 18th-century predecessors in view painting--Gaspare Vanvitelli, Luca Carlevaris, and Johan Richter. Canaletto's works form the centerpiece; they include a rarely seen work from Russia and some of the 24 commissioned by the Duke of Bedford. Among Canaletto's followers, his nephew, Bernardo Bellotto, is his closest rival and considered by some to be his equal. Francesco Guardi's accomplished views often depict more ordinary, less grand subjects. Other followers include Giovanni Battista Cimaroli, Antonio Joli, Michele Marieschi, Francesco Tironi, and the almost unknown Pietro Bellotti. In addition to these artists' Venetian views, illustrated in excellent color, one of the most interesting aspects of this volume is the great variety of views of ceremonies and gala events. The excellent bibliography includes W. G. Constable's and J. G. Links's pioneering catalogues of Canaletto's painting and drawings, along with work by various scholars on the other artists. Artist biographies and paintings' histories add further information. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-level undergraduates and above. T. J. McCormick emeritus, Wheaton College (MA)