The painting shows the central stretch of the Grand Canal, looking south-west from the Rialto bridge. The left bank is dominated by the massive Palazzo Grimani. In the far distance is the façade of Ca’ Foscari, as the canal turns sharply to the left. Much of the right bank, beyond the shops of the Fondamenta del Vin, is hidden from view by the slight curve of the canal. Whereas in the previous two paintings Canaletto opened out the spaces, here he has narrowed the canal, leaving only a narrow channel between the boats moored either side.