This view is taken from the Piazzetta dei Leoni looking towards S. Geminiano (since destroyed) and the Procuratie Nuove, with the north corner of the Basilica at left and on the right the corner of the Torre dell’Orologio. Several groups of figures from diverse social groups are scattered across the foreground, with street vendors beneath large white umbrellas.

Previously unrecorded, this view corresponds to a drawing by Guardi formerly in the Paul Wallraf collection, London, and shares the same perspective as an engraving by Canaletto. A larger version, taken from a similar perspective but with some differences in the figures shares many stylistic similarities and may be based on our painting. While the dating of Guardi’s vedute is sometimes contested by scholars, the handling of the staffage and architecture in this work suggests a similar date (1745-50) to the Piazza S. Marco con Basilica e Campanile in the National Gallery, London, one of the artist’s greatest masterpieces. .