Area S. Josephi, cum Templo S. Nicolai ad Castrum

The most widely known and the best of the many engravings after Canalatto's views of Venice. They were originally commissioned by Consul Smith and based on paintings by Canaletto.

"Self-styled as painter, architect, and engraver, Visentini enjoyed a long career in Venice where he was connected to the Academia and to the artistic and publishing circle centred around Consul Joseph Smith. Visentini's etchings are distinguished in the confidence and authority of their perspectival projection and etched line. Visentini's buildings seldom sag and never "sink" under their own weight into the water of the canals as they occasionally might in the work of Carlevaris and Mariechi. Canaletto's compositions are quite various and are refreshingly dramatic in the contrast between the large foreground buildings and the smaller ones in the receding perspective.

These views were crucial to forming the image of Venice in the mind of its visitors" (Millard).

Engraving by Visentini after Canaletto, 40.5 x 55.5 cm. Plate II from Urbis Venetiarum Prospectus Celebriores.