Bernardo Bellotto was an Italian painter and printmaker who was known for his vedute, or views of European cities, in etchings and prints. His paintings of Dresden, Vienna, Warsaw, and Turin are widely admired. The urban landscapes in which he specializes are among his most celebrated works. This is not surprising, given the importance of these cities to his homeland.
He was the nephew of Antonio Canal, a famous Italian painter. His uncle, Antonio Canal, was a friend of his family and was also a talented painters. At fourteen, he began working with his uncle. After several years in Venice, he moved to Rome, where he studied topographical painting and architectural painting. His paintings of Warsaw were of great importance to the reconstruction of the city.
After graduating from Dresden, Bellotto spent a year in Munich, where his works were highly regarded by Empress Maria Theresa. The Bavarian ruling family commissioned him to create a number of works. After his time in Dresden, he worked for King August III of Poland, also known as the Elector of Saxony. At his death, Bellotto completed two vedute and capricci.
In 1754, Bellotto travelled to Dresden and worked for the Elector of Bavaria. The two works in Dresden, Lobkowitzplatz and Panorama from Palais Kaunitz are among his finest. After the Seven Years' War, the artist lost his principal patrons, and his work suffered. After his move to Vienna, he found new commissions in Rome, Vienna, and Paris.
