Urbis Venetiarum Prospectus Celebriores.

3 parts in one volume, oblong folio, 365 x 530 mm, 3 letterpress titles in red and black with engraved vignettes by Visentini, letterpress table of contents, engraved Prospectus, double portrait of Canaletto and Visentini by Visentini after Giovanni Battista Piazetta, 38 engravings (some professionally rep. tears in blank lower margins, overall in excellent condition).

Quarter brown leather, cardb. covers, spine with raised bands (binding sl. loosening, rubbed and used, cover soiled and some tears in cover, def. at lower right corner).

First complete edition with all three parts of Caneletto's familiar views of the Grand Canal as well as views of the public buildings and regatta scenes. The engravings by Antonio Visentini (1688-1782) based upon thirty-eight paintings by Canaletto in the possession of the British collector Joseph Smith. The cost of the publication was entirely borne by Smith himself, who probably regarded it in the nature of catalogue of his wares rather than a money-making venture, which explains the relatively limited print run of this edition. Due to its great success, later editions were published in 1751, 1754 and 1773. All engravings are of a pristine quality and can be considered early impressions.
Ref. Berlin Kat. 2695. - Cicognara 4113 (1751 edition).