Eyewitness Views: Making History in Eighteenth-Century Europe

In the 1700s, historic events and sights were documented by view painters. Commissioned by princes, popes, and ambassadors, such artists recorded memorable moments first hand, ranging from the Venetian carnival to an eruption of Vesuvius. This first-ever exhibition on the golden age of view-painting includes over 50 scenes of historic events. Turning the beholder into an eyewitness, these paintings, many never seen before in America, bring the spectacle of the past to life. Features key works from leading view painters, including Canaletto, Bellotto, Robert, Panini, and Guardi.