Giovanni Antonio Canal, commonly known as Canaletto, was an Italian painter born in 1697 in Venice. He is renowned for his detailed and vibrant landscapes, particularly his views of Venice, which capture the city's architecture and waterways with remarkable precision. Canaletto's work is characterized by its use of light and perspective, making his scenes come alive. Canaletto was influenced by the Baroque style and often painted in a technique called veduta, which means "view" in Italian. His paintings were popular among tourists and collectors in the 18th century, leading to a successful career. He passed away in 1768, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of art.