The view is from the Bacino. The Zecca is at the right, the State Granaries at the left. Between them can be seen the back of the Procuratie Nuove. Capriciously placed at either side of the bridge are the giant statues by Gerolamo Campagna and Tiziano Aspetti which stand at what is now the entrance to the Biblioteca Marciana.

This painting is one of a series of thirteen overdoors by Canaletto, all with the same provenance. The views are imaginary, but they incorporate recognisable Venetian buildings and settings. Of the thirteen pictures, nine survive in the Royal Collection.

While this work is accepted as Canaletto's responsibility, the painting and drawing of the Zecca are feeble and some studio participation must be assumed.