A Gondola: End View

Carlevarijs's end-view study of a Venetian gondola complements his side-view studies by providing an understanding of the vessel's three-dimensional form from multiple angles. The gondola's distinctive shape — asymmetrically built to compensate for the single-oar propulsion — was unique among European watercraft, and its accurate representation was a technical requirement for artists wishing to depict Venetian scenes convincingly. Carlevarijs's methodical study of the gondola from multiple angles reflects the scientific spirit of early eighteenth-century visual documentation and his understanding that his vedute paintings would be scrutinized by viewers who knew Venice intimately and could judge the accuracy of his representations.

The unusual foreshortened viewpoint is captured with accurate perspective drawing. The dark silhouette of the hull against a lighter ground emphasizes the distinctive curved profile that makes the gondola immediately recognizable.