CANAL, ANTONIO, called Camaletio, was the eon of Bernardi Canal, who, although desemeded from one of the noble families o Verse, followed the profession of a mene-panter. Antonio was bon at Viola about 1697. Its originally followed his father'. occupation and the style of hie early practice may be traced in the boldness am 'igour of his later works, and (ho reality of the effect. About the 'ear 1719, disgusted with the petty annoyances of the theatre, he Lhendonesi it altogether, and went to Rome, where ho employed him self for • long time in studying from the ancient ruins. On his return tome, he devoted himself to painting views in the city, and original mampoeitions In the latter part of his life he visited London, where to was in great estimation.
His handling is light., bold, and firm; his colouring generally bright, rue, and pleasing; his figures well disposed. lie has displayed no ea. art iu his choice of subjects and sites, and disposal of all the reparate parts, than in the trcatmout and execution. lie was one of
he few artists who have made use of the camera obscures with a view o quickly obtaining perspective effect, and though Lanai observes hat be was careful to avoid its misapplication, many of his pictures ippeor to us to bear too evident traces of having been studied by its means. But after every admission is made, there can be little question .hat Cansletto is the first painter in his particular branch of art. In tin pietist-ea the palaces of the Adriatic are brought before the eye Kith much of the vivid beauty of the actnal scene; and his original compositions, in which the ancient and the modern are blooded, par Ake of the reality of his views. His works may be seen in every collection.
His pupil (Nardi is the most eminent of his followers. He paints o a style which is brilliant and agreeable, but less solid and less exact .han his master's. (Zanetti.1