James Holland, O.W.S. (1799-1870)

To the left of this view of the Grand Canal we can see the Casa Ruzzini, one can also make out the pinnacled upper storey of the Fondac dei Tedeschi. Completed in 1508 by Scarpagnino, this building, originally a warehouse, was then used as lodgings for Germans. Once covered with frescoes by Giorgione and Titian, the Fondac dei Tedeschi now houses Venice's main post office.
On the right of the view we can see the Palazzo Carmerlenghi by Guglielmo De'Gigi, formerly residence of the camerlenghi, the finance ministers of the Republic.

The drawing's previous owner, J. Leslie Wright (1862-1953), left over 400 watercolours and drawings to the City of Birmingham, on his death in 1953. The bequest is held in the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.