Uitzicht over de lagune van Venetië, in de verte de Santa Maria della Presentazione, daarvoor de Punta della Dogana 1889 - 1893

Here, we have Johanna Margaretha Piek's vintage photograph, capturing a view over the Venetian lagoon with the Santa Maria della Presentazione in the distance and the Punta della Dogana in the foreground. The sepia tones imbue the scene with a sense of nostalgia, while the soft gradations create a serene, almost dreamlike quality. Structurally, the composition is divided into three horizontal bands: the sky, the buildings and the water. The circular framing of the image isolates the scene, drawing our attention to the interplay of light and shadow. Consider how Piek uses the architectural forms of the Punta della Dogana as a visual anchor, grounding the image. The repetition of arches creates a rhythmic pattern, juxtaposed against the fluid, reflective surface of the water. This contrast highlights a key semiotic tension between the solid, man-made structures and the ever-changing natural environment. Ultimately, the photograph functions as more than just a scenic view; it reflects a structured interpretation of Venice, inviting us to consider our own relationship with space, time, and perception.