Bellotto, Bernardo

known as Canaletto

(born Jan. 30, 1720, Venice—died Oct. 17, 1780, Warsaw, Pol.) Italian painter of topographical views, known as vedute (“view paintings”). He was the nephew of Canaletto and was himself known by that name when painting outside Italy. In 1747 he left Italy to spend the rest of his life working at various European courts, most notably at Dresden for Frederick Augustus II (1747–66) and at Warsaw for Stanis (1767–80). His detailed views of the Polish capital were used as guides to reconstruct the historic sections of the city after their destruction in World War II. Bellotto's style is distinguishable from his uncle's by its Dutch characteristics (e.g., cast shadows, massed clouds, sombre tone and colour).

Find more information on Bellotto, Bernardo. Upgrade to Britannica Online for more on Bellotto, Bernardo.