In the early 18th and 19th century it was fashionable for wealthy British families to send their sons, and very occassionally daughters, on a grand tour of Europe. The Tour could last up to two years and was to introdue them to art, history and the culture of Italy in particular. For some, it was a decadant trip, for others, an escape from some scandal. The journey itself was fraught with dangers, depending on the route they took - rough seas, highwaymen and crossing the Alps. Once in Venice, every Grand Tourist wanted to leave with a Caneltto painting as a souvenir. Many artists also undertook a tour and painted their way across Europe and Italy. They captured Vesuvius erupting, Lady Emma Hamilton performing in Naples and all the wonderful bridges of Venice, still a very popular holiday destination. We have a lovely selection of paintings of Venice below for you to enjoy.
Germain Fabius Brest (1832-1900) - Gondolas in a Venetian Canal
This fabulous vibrant French Victorian Venetian landscape oil painting is by noted artist Germain Fabius Brest. It was painted circa 1865 when Brest was painting classical Venetian scenes where great architecture is populated with vibrant figures. In this painting we have gondolas, bridges, people going about life, wonderful architecture and perspective, the play of light and shadows and all with great colouring beneath a vivid blue sky. This painting is a fantastic example of Brest's work and stands out amongst Victorian Venetian landscapes generally.
An original watercolour dated 1881 of Venice from the lagoon with boats and the Doges Palace in the distance. It was painted by Robert Weir Allan who was a well travelled Scottish artist and is well known for his watercolour and oil paintings of landscapes and seascapes. This is a lovely example of a late 19th century Scottish Impressionistic watercolour and a good example of his work.
Signed right Robert W Allan and dated 1881.
Provenance. Scottish private collection. John Gibson Glasgow Gallery.
A fine watercolour by Scottish Glasgow Boy artist Thomas Millie Dow RSW NEAC which is signed and dates to circa 1900. It depicts a Venice scene in the muted Scottish tradition of Waterson, Herald and Whistler. A fine painting in a gilt gallery frame.
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