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This tiny picture, measuring only 10 by 6 cm, is framed with two other views of picturesque ruins in imaginary Italian settings (such paintings are known as capricci). One shows an elegant couple and the other depicts a man and child surrounded by soaring architecture. In the foreground of this scene, two figures – fishermen perhaps, or digging labourers – are hard at work beside the water, in the shadow of an imposing arch.

Guardi painted this on wood rather than on his traditional canvas support, probably because it was better suited to a picture of this size. His figures, evoked with the softest of touches, have energy and movement, and even on this scale he has created an atmospheric scene – the bright sunlight falls on the rich, crumbling red stone, overgrown with weeds.

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

Caprice View with Ruins

Date

after 1780

Medium

Oil on wood

Measurements

H 10.2 x W 6.1 cm

Accession number

NG2521.1

Acquisition method

Salting Bequest, 1910

Work type

Painting

The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

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Artist or maker

Francesco Guardi

1712–1793

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