This is a view looking westwards out of the Canale della Giudecca, Venice with a trabaccolo, an Adriatic trading vessel unloading at anchor, and a boatman poling a raft which carries a boat, perhaps a Barcheta. The tall distant-bell tower is presumably San Georgio in Alga, a favourite view of Cooke's and also of Ruskin's, while the tower on the right could be San Nicolo dei Mendicoli.

This calm evening picture illustrates Cooke's careful handling of all types of shipping and owes much of its tranquil feeling to his skill at perspective. The painting is recorded as being sold to Mrs Thomas in 1864. According to the artist's diary, she wrote to say that she wanted 'another' Venetian sunset picture, and after lunching with him, chose Giudecca with Raft.

We are grateful to John Munday for his help in preparing this catalogue entry. The picture will be no.63/14 in his forthcoming catalogue raisonné of Cooke's work.