Drawing by Canaletto

This view through an arch of Westminster Bridge was made by the Venetian artist Canaletto during his stay in London in the mid-eighteenth century. The construction of the bridge was completed in the course of his visit. On the right is the dome of St Paul's Cathedral in the City of London. This drawing, with numerous other paintings and drawings by Canaletto, was acquired by George III in 1762 from Joseph Smith, British Consul in Venice