Artwork Page for A Canal, Venice

Details / Information for A Canal, Venice

A Canal, Venice

1800–1870

James Holland

(British, 1800–1870)
Culture
England
Medium
graphite and watercolor, heightened with white on buff paper
Measurements
Image: 43.1 x 29.7 cm (16 15/16 x 11 11/16 in.); Sheet: 43.1 x 29.7 cm (16 15/16 x 11 11/16 in.); Primary mount: 47.2 x 33.8 cm (18 9/16 x 13 5/16 in.); Secondary mount: 49.7 x 36.4 cm (19 9/16 x 14 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Lowell Libson & Jonny Yarker Ltd in honor of the Swetland family 2021.109
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

Opaque watercolor, also called gouache, or bodycolor, is watercolor paint made opaque with the addition of chalk, white pigment, or white paint.

Description

Venice was one of the primary subjects of the British artist James Holland, and his works satisfied the 19th-century popular imagination of a romantic Venice, with its sun-kissed buildings, gondolas, and quaint bridges. The present sheet was executed during a trip to Venice in 1857. Holland worked on a buff-colored sheet of paper, sketching the composition in graphite, and then painting with watercolor in rust, pink, grey, and aqua, and light blue and white opaque watercolors. The unfinished section on the side of the palazzo at upper left suggests that this drawing was kept by Holland in his studio for his own reference or pleasure.
A vertically oriented watercolor and graphite drawing on buff paper depicts a Venice canal. In the lower foreground, a gondola prow rests on pale blue water. A stone bridge arches from the right toward multi-story terracotta and cream buildings. Small figures stand on a balcony beneath a tan awning. Soft blue washes and wispy white clouds fill the sky, where several birds fly between tall, rectangular chimneys.

A Canal, Venice

1800–1870

James Holland

(British, 1800–1870)
England

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork