Gondel voor een Venetiaans huis 1870 - 1923

Willem Witsen created this watercolor of a Venetian house with a gondola. Witsen belonged to a group of Dutch artists known as the Amsterdam Impressionists, who, like their French counterparts, sought to capture the fleeting moments of everyday life. In this period, Venice was more than just a city; it was a symbol, an idea, especially for artists and writers seeking refuge from the rapid industrialization of their home countries. The gondola here is more than a mode of transport. It represents a connection to Venice’s rich past, a past steeped in romance. Look at how the reflections on the water seem to distort the buildings and blur the line between reality and a dream. The shadowy figure in the window adds a sense of mystery, hinting at stories and secrets within those ancient walls. Witsen's Venice is a place of quiet contemplation, where the weight of history meets the personal experience of the present moment.