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Canaletto (Venice 1697-Venice 1768)

Venice: The Torre dell'Orologio and part of San Marco c.1740-45

RCIN 907425

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The Torre dell’Orologio (clocktower) was built in 1496-9 to house an astronomical clock showing the movements of sun and moon through the zodiac. On top of the tower is a bell struck on the hour by two monumental bronze Moors, whereupon figures of the Magi emerge to bow before a statue of the Madonna in the central niche. As usual, Canaletto adjusted the details of San Marco, here eliminating the northern dome and diminishing the pinnacles between the upper lunettes.