A "veduta" is a detailed, often large-scale painting or drawing that depicts a cityscape or landscape. Originating in Italy during the 16th century, these artworks are characterized by their realistic representation of urban scenes, showcasing architectural elements and the surrounding environment. Artists aimed to capture the essence of a place, making vedute popular among travelers and collectors. The term is derived from the Italian word for "view." Notable artists associated with veduta include Canaletto and Giovanni Paolo Panini, who created intricate works that celebrated the beauty of cities like Venice and Rome. Vedute served both as artistic expression and as historical documentation of urban life.