A view across a wide canal, with boating activity, towards the line of the city on the horizon. To the left are elaborate waterside buildings; at the base of a flight of steps leading to the water from the buildings is a gondola manned by two figures, standing at the top of the steps are two female figures; a larger sailing boat is moored in front of the buildings with a small vessel being rowed by its side. In the left foreground is a gondola being punted and rowed, carrying three other figures. Beyond, the water stretches into the background, extending towards the city bathed in light; moored boats line the shore behind which rise tall buildings, the domed roofs of a cathedral and the classical temple facade of a waterside building being particularly prominent.