Giovanni Antonio Canal, called Canaletto (1697-1768), is one of the most popular of all old master painters, admired for his magnificant views of Venice and London. In the words of one of his contemporaries, Canaletto had the power to paint so that 'the eye is deceived and truly believes it is the real thing it sees'. Apprenticed to his artist father, Canaletto began his career as a scene-painter. He spent his formative years in Venice and is best known for his depictions of the buildings, canals and festivals of his native city, but he also spent several years in England, where he painted many stunning London scenes, including Westminster Bridge, Whitehall and the Old Horse Guards, as well as views of Warwick Castle and Eton College.

On the Colour Library Series Ideal introductions for students and museum-goers. -Independent Phaidon's excellent Colour Library series: [...] a good introduction to nearly 50 key artists and movements in art history. -Antiques Trade Gazette The Phaidon Colour Library Series provides an invaluable introduction to key artists and movements in art history. -Art & Craft

Christopher Baker is a freelance art historian. His publications include Rembrandt (1993) and he has co-authored The Complete Illustrated Catalogue of the National Gallery (1994).