Rio della Sensa, Venice 1883

Andrew Fisher Bunner made this pen and ink drawing, Rio della Sensa, Venice, sometime in the late nineteenth century. Bunner was an American artist who found inspiration in the picturesque canals and architecture of Venice. This drawing invites us to consider the relationship between tourism, representation, and cultural identity. Venice, by this point, had become a popular destination for wealthy travelers, and artists catered to this market by creating idealized images of the city. Bunner's drawing presents a romanticized view of Venice, emphasizing its timeless beauty and unique atmosphere. Yet, it's also crucial to acknowledge that these representations often overlooked the realities of everyday life for the city's residents. The artwork is a reminder that our perceptions of places are shaped by cultural narratives and power dynamics. It asks us to consider who gets to tell these stories and whose experiences are left out of the frame. How do these depictions affect our understanding of Venice and its people?