These two capricci, or fantasy scenes, with arched tops were painted to hang as a pendant pair, possibly on either side of a door or window. Each shows a prominent archway next to a canal, numerous figures going about their day, small boats and merchant ships, and buildings along the water’s edge. The scenes open toward each other but without forming a continuous image. The right panel shows several plain-clothed figures, clearly of a lower social status, including a beggar receiving alms from a woman carrying a basket. They stand before an imposing double archway connected to a wall at the right and enhanced with Corinthian columns. Everyday bustle and labour is emphasized, as workers are shown loading and manning skiffs while ships sail by in the distance. A cluster of houses rises on the other side of the canal, through the archway.