Venice: Canaletto and His Rivals

Canaletto is an artist that I find is easy to admire but difficult to love. Yes, there's the undoubted technical skill on display (not to mention an insane attention to detail) but the overall effect often feels cold, especially in the later paintings which feel increasingly lifeless. Mind you, even these rather static figures are still miles ahead of the ones that populate the paintings of his rivals. Whereas Canaletto's people seem to inhabit the urban spaces, those in other works look like they are part of a tableau (these were usually painted by other artists in any case) Canaletto is head and shoulders above most of the others, although Marieschi's view of the courtyard of the Doge's Palace is terrific, with it's dramatic contrast of light and shade, and Bellotto clearly inherited some of his uncle's talent. However, it's Guardi who steals the show with his more impressionistic approach and muted palette. It's a breath of fresh air after the hyperdetailed onslaught of the previous rooms.

The Merchant of Venice: RSC

This was my O level play and I've seen several productions of it over the years. Some go for modern dress, others for a historical setting. One approach doesn't necessarily yield better results than the other. It's all down to the interpretation. The new production at the RSC is curiously underpowered. Shylock barely raises his voice, in passion or anger, and in dress is almost indistinguishable (smarter perhaps) from the rest of Venice. The only real flicker of genuine emotion is his distress over the loss of his wife's ring, which makes a telling contrast with Bassanio and Gratiano subsequently giving away their rings. In a similar vein the relationship between Antonio and Bassanio is muted. There's very little sense of *why* Antonio is willing to risk so much for his friend. For a change Bassanio comes across as the more engaging character rather than merely as a rather selfish chancer. This is partly because of Antonio being equally low key. You can't imagine this man behaving towards Shylock in the anti-semitic manner of which he's accused. He doesn't seem to have the passion for it. In effect the heart of the play (rather than Antonio) has been removed. So, not one of the best versions of the play that I've seen unfortunately.