At the left we see the column of S. Marco, with the Libreria behind, and the Campanile. In the centre are the Torre dell'Orologio and the side of S. Marco, and at the right a corner of the Doges' Palace. In the Piazzetta, various cages of fowls are for sale and a quack is performing to a small crowd.

This painting is one of four, all in the Royal Collection, which are signed and dated 1743 or 1744 and engraved by Antonio Visentini (1688-1782) on a larger scale and independently of his 1735 series. It is the companion piece to Venice: The Molo with the Prisons and the Doges' Palace (RCIN 400517). These two paintings are dated 24 October 1743. Such precise dating is highly unusual for Canaletto and may indicate some sort of significance for him or his patron. All four were engraved as in Joseph Smith's collection and, it may be supposed, before his appointment as consul in June 1744, since that title is omitted from his name. It is thought that the group of four engravings was published by G. B. Pasquali at Smith's expense. Visentini's original drawing is in the Museo Correr.

Signed and dated lower right: A. CANAL FECIT XXIV Octobris MDCCXLIII.