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Lot Essay
Bonington visited Italy in the company of Baron Charles Rivet during April/May 1826, spending the largest part of this trip in Venice, where Bonington found an endless source of inspiration. The ever changing play of light and shadow on the water and on the buildings fascinated the young artist, as is amply demonstrated in the present highly finished watercolour. This work shows one of the most celebrated views of Venice, with San Giorgio Maggiore slightly to the right of centre and the domes of Santa Maria della Salute rising above the boats and buildings to the left of the composition.
Bonington produced numerous rapid sketches in pencil, watercolour and oil as well as some more highly finished works while in Venice, however, the majority of his finished watercolours and oils were executed on his return to Paris. Bonington's Venetian scenes received great critical acclaim in both Paris and London and were eagerly sought by collectors.
Bonington produced numerous rapid sketches in pencil, watercolour and oil as well as some more highly finished works while in Venice, however, the majority of his finished watercolours and oils were executed on his return to Paris. Bonington's Venetian scenes received great critical acclaim in both Paris and London and were eagerly sought by collectors.