Gezicht op de Lagune van Venetië 1851 - 1902

Here we see Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's-Gravesande's etching, "Gezicht op de Lagune van Venetië." While undated, its style situates it within the late 19th-century vogue for landscape and cityscape etchings. Born in the Netherlands, Storm van 's-Gravesande, like many artists of his era, was drawn to Venice for its picturesque scenery and historical weight. This piece captures a broad view of the Venetian lagoon under a sky heavy with clouds. The scene is serene, yet melancholic, typical of the aesthetic preferences of the time. The artist uses a range of etching techniques to suggest depth and atmosphere, from the fine lines defining the water to the more chaotic strokes describing the sky. The romantic portrayal of Venice was popular among European artists, as it offered a space to explore themes of beauty, decay, and the sublime. Storm van 's-Gravesande’s print invites us to contemplate the city’s past glories, tinged with a sense of transience.