A full moon is going down, with its light reflecting in the calm waters of the Grand Canal and in the puddles of the overnight rain, in Saint Marks Square. At the same time the sun is rising through the misty atmosphere, casting a warm glow over the Lion of Saint Marks and the Library in the foreground and the Santa Maria Della Salute and the Custom House on the other side of the Grand Canal. Gas lights are still lit and add atmosphere to the scene

In the foreground a Trabaccolo ( cargo vessel ) has hoisted its two lug sails and is being towed by two rowers in a dinghy away from the dock in preparation to sailing in what little wind there is. The rising sun has lit the tops of its sails

A Peata ( lagoon transport boat ) is about to start unloading its cargo at a dock at Saint Marks Square ( left hand foreground ). Also tied to the dock are some gondolas and a Bragozzo ( fishing boat ) with both lug sails lowered. A Topo ( lagoon and coastal boat ), with one lug sail hoisted, is being rowed by two men down the Grand Canal, with its foredeck piled high with cargo