“You are invited to Buckingham Palace” … Now that is a phrase to seize anyone’s attention.  Lincoln Theater launches its fifth season of “Exhibition on Screen”showings on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. featuring the work of “Canaletto & The Art of Venice” from the Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

From The Queen's Gallery in Buckingham Palace, The Royal Collection comprises around a million artworks many of which can be seen at some 15 royal residences and former royal residences in the U.K. The Royal Collection includes the largest group of Canaletto works in the world. How exciting to have a film shot in Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.  Even more than that, any art lover will undoubtedly share in  the thrill of being able to take a really close look at the wonders of 18th-century Venice that the Collection holds.

What an extraordinary city – and a city that over the centuries of its unconquered empire produced some of history’s great artists. Canaletto is certainly among them but sometimes can be a little misunderstood. Some might think he simply painted and drew accurate portrayals of Venice landscapes which were then sold to locals and travelers. Anyone thinking that would be wrong. He is, in fact, a master storyteller in light who plays with reality for his own purposes.

To see his works out of their frames in the Conservation Studio at Windsor or hanging in pride of place in Buckingham Palace – and to then listen to Royal Collection Trust's wonderful curators Lucy Whitaker and Rosie Razzall talking with great knowledge and insight – is a joy. 

Tickets are $15 adult/$13 Lincoln Theater members ,and $5/18 and under. 

Additional information can be found on the theater’s website, www.lcct.org. Lincoln Theater is located at 2 Theater St. in Damariscotta.