Dice Players in a Venetian Square 1712 - 1793

Editor: This is "Dice Players in a Venetian Square," a pen and ink drawing by Francesco Guardi, who was active in the 18th century. It really captures a sense of everyday life, but in a rather… dusty, dreamlike way. What jumps out at you when you look at it? Curator: Oh, Guardi! He’s just wonderful. For me, it’s the light, isn't it? How it seems to shimmer and dissolve the edges of things. It’s like Venice itself, always reflecting and refracting. I like the spontaneity of the composition too, that rough and loose technique! I wonder if this drawing was preparatory work for a bigger picture, or simply an end in itself, a quick sketch done on the go. What do you think? Editor: I hadn't really thought about it as light, but more as almost like a hazy atmosphere. I can see that! So it is all about the quality of the atmosphere! And yes, you are right it feels as spontaneous and almost playful! I feel the movement and speed in his strokes! Curator: Exactly! Guardi wasn’t aiming for photographic accuracy, but the sensation of being there, in that moment, experiencing the Venetian light, feeling the dust and the heat! Isn’t it wonderful how he could evoke so much with so little? How he focused less on perfect drawing, and instead gave more to impressions? Editor: It is fascinating. Thanks for pointing that out. This artwork makes me want to visit Venice and experience this "special Venetian Light". Curator: Me too! I always learn something new from his works!