Three Studies of Men

This triple figure study of three men in different costumes and poses belongs to Carlevarijs's extensive series of character and costume studies, drawn from life in Venice around 1700-1710. Carlevarijs was primarily known as the founder of Venetian veduta painting — the topographical cityscape tradition that Canaletto would later perfect — but his figure studies document the rich diversity of Venetian social life: merchants, foreigners, soldiers, and carnival revelers who populated his painted views. These studies served as a resource for populating his large vedute with accurate, observed figures rather than generic staffage, giving his paintings their characteristic documentary authenticity.

Three figures are arranged in a casual grouping with varied postures and facing directions. The different costume colors — dark, medium, and light — provide tonal variety within the group, ensuring visual interest at small scale.