Gezicht op Punta della Dogana in Venetië 1851 - 1902

Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's-Gravesande created this view of Punta della Dogana in Venice using etching, a printmaking technique known for its intricate detail. Born in the Netherlands in 1841, his work reflects the 19th-century interest in capturing the atmospheric qualities of light and place. This piece invites us to consider the romanticism associated with Venice, a city steeped in both beauty and a complex history of maritime power and trade. The muted tones evoke a melancholic mood, typical of the artistic sensibilities of the period. While seemingly a straightforward landscape, the presence of gondolas and ships hints at the social fabric and economic activities that shaped Venice. How does this tranquil scene contrast with our contemporary understanding of Venice as a site of mass tourism and environmental challenges?