Giovanni Antonio Canal, known as Canaletto (1697-1768) was a very important Venetian landscape painter of the 18th century. He also worked as a printer and engraver, producing works in Venice and England. He apprenticed with his father, Benedetto Canal (1674-1744), a painter of stage designs and theatre sets. After a stay in Rome, Canaletto, fascinated by the city and its inhabitants, began to paint views ( vedute ). The Venetian artist was inspired by other painters of urban views, the vedutists, such as Paolo Giovanni Pannini (1691-1756). Returning to Venice, he began to paint landscapes. He painted panoramic views of the Venetian canals and the Ducal Palace; these works were highly sought after by collectors of the time. Worthy of note are the Canal Grande and the church of Santa Maria della Salute (1730) and the Bucentaur at the Mole on Ascension Day (1732). Also from this period are the Doge's Palace and the Piazza San Marco and the Veduta of the Canal Grande. which are in the Uffizi. In some works he also painted historical festivals and popular events in an almost impressionist style.