Canaletto (Giovanni Antonio Canal) (Italian - View of the Arch of Constantine with the Colosseum - Google Art Project

The arch was commissioned by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine's victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in AD 312. Arch of Constantine is an important monument that reflects the political and military achievements of Constantine the Great, who played a significant role in the Roman Empire's transition to Christianity. Constantine's victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge is said to have been a turning point that influenced his support for Christianity and eventually led to the Edict of Milan in 313 CE, which granted religious tolerance to Christians. The arch stands near the Colosseum and was dedicated in 315 CE. It is the largest surviving triumphal arch in Rome. The structure consists of three archways and is adorned with reliefs and sculptures, some of which were repurposed from earlier monuments and buildings. The reliefs on the Arch of Constantine depict scenes from various imperial campaigns and events, including battles, hunting scenes, and religious ceremonies. Some of the reliefs were taken from earlier monuments, such as the Arch of Marcus Aurelius and the Arch of Trajan, and were incorporated into the design of the Arch of Constantine. The Arch of Constantine itself has undergone some restoration and conservation work over the years to ensure its preservation. These efforts have focused on stabilizing the structure, cleaning the stonework, and addressing any deterioration or damage caused by weathering and pollution.

Giovanni Antonio Canal, better known as Canaletto, was a Venetian painter who specialised in vedute, or cityscapes. He is considered one of the greatest painters of the 18th century and is particularly famous for his depictions of Venice, which he captured with remarkable accuracy and detail. Canaletto was born into a family of painters and was trained by his father, Bernardo Canal. He began his career as a painter of theatrical scenes before turning to veduta. His early work was influenced by the Dutch painter Gerrit Berckheyde, but he later developed his own distinctive style. Canaletto's paintings are characterised by precise architectural detail, luminous skies and vibrant colours. He often painted the same views repeatedly, capturing different times of day and seasons. His work was highly sought after by wealthy collectors and he received commissions from prominent figures such as King George III of England. Despite his success, Canaletto experienced financial difficulties in the latter part of his career and was forced to sell many of his paintings at low prices. He eventually moved to England, where he continued to paint vedute of London and other English cities. Today, Canaletto's paintings are highly regarded and can be found in major museums around the world, including the National Gallery in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.