What is... a veduta?

The "veduta", literally in Italian 'veduta', "view" or "vista", provides realistically detailed depictions of urban spaces, whether as a city panorama with a river, canal or square or as a view onto or into a particular street or focussing on a specific building.
A prominent example of veduta painting is the work of the Venetian artist Giovanni Antonio Canal, known as "Canaletto". He was known for his precise depictions of Venice, in particular his panoramic views of the city's canals, squares and buildings. They are characterised by their almost photorealistically accurate and detailed depiction. His vedute not only convey a convincing, almost documentary depiction of the architecture, but are also characterised by a light atmosphere and the friendly, positive mood of the places shown.
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Recommended reading:
Raimund Herz: "Canaletto paints Dresden: A cultural and historical city guide through the baroque Dresden of 1766" - amzn.to/43DQl7S
Bozena Anna Kowalczyk: "Bellotto and Canaletto: Wonder and Light" - amzn.to/43uYCuI