MICHELE MARIESCHI

Capriccio with a Portico and a City Beyond, 1730-1735. Michele Marieschi. Oil on canvas. Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust.
In contrast to the relatively accurate views of Venice by Guardi and Canaletto, capricci, like these, were imaginary inventions. In both of these examples, Marieschi exploits the contrast of dilapidated and complete buildings for picturesque effect, a device often used by painters of stage scenery, a profession Marieschi practiced early in his career.