Antonio Canal is an Italian painter, one of the greatest craftsmen who portrayed everyday urban landscapes. He worked in Venice, Rome, and London, where he was elected a member of the Royal Academy. In the presented picture, the official reception of the French ambassador Jacques-Vincent Langeet, Count de Gergie, was recorded on November 4, 1726.
The program of this kind of ceremonies was carefully thought out and developed. The ambassadors were taken to one of the islands, from where, as it were, he came to the city again on luxurious gondolas. Together with his entourage he was brought to the Doge’s Palace, the center of the state life of the republic, where an official meeting was held. Venice and its unique architecture act as a kind of decoration for this theatrical action.
Canaletto pedantically recorded all the details of the historic event, among its participants are easily recognized Venetians in black and white masks, triangular hats, fluffy and colorfully dressed the French guests. The works of Canaletto are distinguished by topographic precision, combined with the bright decorative color, to which it conveys a colorful and festive Venetian atmosphere.
View of the Doge’s Palace in Venice by Antonio Canaletto 
Westminster Bridge in London with a motorcade of the Lord Mayor on the Thames by Antonio Canaletto 
Cathedral of San Giovanni e Paolo and Piazza San Marco by Antonio Canaletto Church of St. John and Paul and the school of San Marco by Antonio Canaletto 
The Grand Canal: a view to the northeast on the Rialto Bridge by Antonio Canaletto 
Capriccio with classical ruins by Antonio Canaletto 
Regatta on the Grand Canal by Antonio Canaletto 
Réception de l’Ambassadeur de France à Venise – Antonio Canaletto