Canaletto's Camera - Paperback
$135.00
Skip to product information
Canaletto's Camera - Paperback
$135.00
Shipping calculated at checkout.
by Philip Steadman (Author)
Did Canaletto paint what he saw, or what he wanted us to see? Exploring the boundary between observation and invention.
Canaletto's Camera provides a revelatory look at how the Venetian master Antonio Canaletto (1697-1768) used the camera obscura, a precursor to the modern camera, to create his meticulous cityscapes. Drawing on new research, Steadman examines Canaletto's connections to contemporary scientists and his reliance on measured architectural drawings, discovering previously unrecognized techniques that shaped his iconic views of Venice and London. By analyzing Canaletto's sketches and reconstructing an 18th-century camera obscura, Steadman and his colleagues have recreated the artist's process, demonstrating how he traced real scenes, altered them in his finished works, and even engaged in a form of early photomontage. Through digital overlays and side-by-side comparisons with contemporary photographs, the book challenges assumptions about Canaletto's realism and artistic manipulation. Lavishly illustrated and deeply engaging, Canaletto's Camera is a compelling read for art historians, scholars of optical devices, and those fascinated by the intersection of art and science.Author Biography
Philip Steadman is professor emeritus of urban and built form studies at University College London and author of Vermeer's Camera.
Number of Pages: 308
Dimensions: 0.57 x 9.26 x 6.17 IN
Publication Date: January 05, 2026
Details
This product is crafted with quality materials to ensure durability and performance. Designed with your convenience in mind, it seamlessly fits into your everyday life.
Shipping & Returns
We strive to process and ship all orders in a timely manner, working diligently to ensure that your items are on their way to you as soon as possible.
We are committed to ensuring a positive shopping experience for all our customers. If for any reason you wish to return an item, we invite you to reach out to our team for assistance, and we will evaluate every return request with care and consideration.
