Visit the heart of Venice—Saint Mark’s Square—in this video from the Children’s Video Tour. Giovanni Antonio Canal, who was nicknamed Canaletto to distinguish him from his father, painted this work in the 18th century. He specialized in paintings of Venice that recorded the city’s daily activities and unique architecture. Since cameras had not yet been invented, tourists bought his paintings and drawings to hang in their homes as souvenirs of their trip. On view in the West Building, Gallery 31. http://www.nga.gov/fcgi-bin/tinfo_f?object=32588 ----- Find the Children's Video Tour at http://www.nga.gov/education/timetravel/index.shtm