Born to a designer and painter of stage settings in 1697, Canaletto followed in his father's path and trained as a theatrical scene painter. He soon left the theater behind and became a vedutista—a view painter. Venetians will remain forever grateful for his decision to change the direction of his artistic career. With brush and palette, he created a glittering vision of Venice that continues to define the splendor of that sun-drenched city of islands and lagoons. Anyone who views his paintings and drawings will always associate him with Venice—La Serenissima—for Venice and Canaletto are one.