Gezicht onder een boogbrug te Venetië 1870 - 1923

Willem Witsen made this artwork, titled "Gezicht onder een boogbrug te Venetië," or "View under an arched bridge in Venice," with watercolor on paper. Notice how the composition is structured around a strong horizontal axis created by the water, bisected by the dark, imposing arch of the bridge. The limited palette of greys and browns fosters a somber mood, while the reflections in the water create a subtle play of light and shadow. This use of muted colors and watery reflections could reflect the influence of Japonisme on Western art, echoing the flat planes and atmospheric perspective often found in Japanese prints. The bridge, a powerful architectural form, frames a glimpse of the Venetian canal, inviting us to consider the relationship between the city's constructed environment and its natural waterways. The architectural elements are rendered with a focus on their structural form, emphasizing their role in defining and shaping the urban space. In the broader context of late 19th-century art, Witsen's interest in capturing the quiet, contemplative aspects of urban life reflects a shift away from grand historical narratives toward more intimate and personal observations.