The Ridotto Pubblico at Palazzo Dandolo. Artist: Francesco Guardi (Italian, Venice 1712-1793 Venice). Dimensions: 13 3/8 x 20 in. (34 x 50.8 cm). Date: ca. 1765-68.
While Guardi is known for his landscapes and imaginary lagoon views, he also painted a few interiors such as the main hall of the Ridotto, the public gambling house in Palazzo Dandolo at San Moisè, as it looked before the remodelling of 1768. The elegant masked figures are sketched in an exceptionally fluid and sprightly technique.