Temporary Tribune in the Campo San Zanipolo, Venice

Francesco Guardi

National Gallery of Art

This painting shows a grand building with elaborate arches, columns, statues, and staircases, in front of which is a courtyard filled with people facing away from us. The brushstrokes are detailed, capturing intricate architectural details in a color palette of earthy browns and grays with some gold highlights. The people are dressed in shades of white, black, red, and blue, and many of them wear black hats and long coats. The sky above is blue, with faint gray and white clouds. On the right, a tall wall casts a shadow on the main building and the square below.