Early Morning—Venice 1902 - 1905

William Gedney Bunce made this evocative painting of Venice using oil on canvas. It’s all about mood and atmosphere, right? The muted palette and soft, almost hazy brushstrokes create a dreamlike effect, like a memory fading at the edges. Looking closely, you can see how Bunce built up the surface with thin layers of paint. The reflections in the water are particularly beautiful, sort of dissolving the forms of the boats and buildings into shimmering light. Take a look at the way the artist renders the sails on the left. See how they're not sharply defined, but rather suggested with a few broad strokes? This kind of gestural mark-making gives the painting a sense of immediacy, as if Bunce were capturing a fleeting moment. It reminds me a little of James McNeill Whistler’s nocturnes. Both artists were interested in capturing the subtle nuances of light and color, and in evoking a sense of quiet contemplation. Ultimately, the meaning is up to us. It's like Bunce is inviting us to get lost in the beauty and mystery of Venice.