1700-1799, Italy, "Eighteenth-Century Italy"

In the 17th century, the Venetian school of painting had sunk into near oblivion; however, a great revival took place in the 18th century. The rediscovery of the work of the 16th century master, Paolo Veronese (1528-1588), encouraged such artists as Sebastiano Ricci (1659-1734), Giovanni Antonio Pellegrini (1675-1741) and Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (1696-1770) to formulate a light-filled, decorative style which is referred to as the "Venetian Rococo." The style is marked by the use of scintillating pastel colors, free and energetic brushwork and ornamental arabesques executed with a profusion of detail. 18th-century Venice, being one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, was the play-ground of the wealthy, and the artists' works reflect the taste of this pleasure-seeking, frivolous society.

The Italian Rococo was exemplified by the art of Venice, which during the 18th century was the artistic leader of Italy. The genius of this late but vibrant period was Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, perhaps the most sought after decorative artist in all Europe. Three other outstanding men who contributed to Venice's new artistic vigor were the painters of city views, Canaletto and Guardi, and a chronicler of daily life, Pietro Longhi. Although these painters were more solidly classical than French 18th-century artists, they too produced a lightened version of Baroque style.