Bernardo Bellotto

Bernardo Bellotto (1722-1780) was an Italian painter known for his precise and detailed depictions of cities and architectural landmarks. Born in Venice, he was the nephew and student of the famous painter, Canaletto, who taught him the art of perspective and the use of the camera obscura. Bellotto specialized in painting cityscapes, and his works often feature an aerial view of the cities he visited, with intricate details of the buildings, streets, and people. He was particularly famous for his depictions of Dresden, where he served as court painter to the Elector of Saxony. Bellotto's work is characterized by its meticulous attention to detail and its realistic rendering of space and light. His paintings are considered important historical records of the cities and buildings he depicted, and have become valuable sources for architects and urban historians.