Spanning the Renaissance to the Rococo period, this exhibition celebrates the vitality and originality of the arts in Venice and the Veneto region through more than 30 drawings and prints. In the 16th century, Venice became a thriving artistic center rivaling Rome and Florence. Patronage fostered creative competition among family workshops, such as the Bassano and Tintoretto families. After a period of decline, Venice experienced a second golden age in the 18th century. This was illustrated with dazzling bravura by humorous scenes from contemporary life by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (1696–1770) and his son Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo (1726–1804), as well as alluring portraits by Rosalba Carriera (1673–1757). Glistening maritime views by Francesco Guardi (1712–1793) and Canaletto (1697–1768) crystallized the imagery of the Venetian landscape for centuries to come. From landscapes and figure studies to designs for sumptuous decorations, the works presented in this exhibition offer a fresh look at this memorable place in history and art.

This exhibition is designed in dialogue with Monet and Venice, on view March 21, 2026–July 26, 2026 at the de Young.

Image: Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo, La Furlana (The Friulian Dance) (detail), no. 31 from the series Divertimento per li regazzi (Entertainment for Children), ca. 1790–1800. Pen and brown ink and brown wash over black chalk, 13 15/16 x 18 1/2 in. (35.4 x 47 cm). Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Museum purchase, Georges de Batz Collection, Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts Endowment Fund, 1967.17.133