The Bacino Di San Marco On Ascension Day By Canaletto At The Queen Gallery In London England Editorial Photo

The great Venetian festival of the Wedding of the Sea took place on Ascension Day. The Doge was rowed out of the lagoon into the Adriatic in his ceremonial galley, the Bucintoro, and dropped a ring into the sea symbolising Venice’s maritime power. Here spectators in smaller boats excitedly watch the return of the Bucintoro in clear spring sunlight. His work became a huge draw among rich English gentleman of the era who bought his paintings when they were in Italy on holiday and it was due to this lucrative market that Canaletto even moved to England at one point in his career.