In this picture of Canaletto's, by the way, the loafers have gathered at the foot of the Lion's column exactly as now they do, while the balcony of the great south window of the palace has just such a little knot of people enjoying the prospect; but whether they were there naturally or at the invitation of a custodian eager for a tip (as now) we shall not know.
The first calle after Danieli's brings us to S.Zaccaria, one of the few Venetian churches with any marble on its facade.

S.Zaccaria has no longer the importance it had when the Doge visited it in state every Easter.

It is now chiefly famous for its very beautiful Bellini altar-piece, of which I give a reproduction on the opposite page.

The picture in its grouping is typical of its painter, and nothing from his hand has a more pervading sweetness.

The musical angel at the foot of the throne is among his best and the bland old men are more righteous than rectitude itself.