Gezicht te Venetië 1870 - 1923

Willem Witsen made this watercolor, "Gezicht te Venetië," which translates to "View of Venice," and the medium lends itself to a watery scene. Notice how Witsen captures Venice through a muted palette, where grays and subdued yellows dominate, reflecting a somber yet serene mood. The composition is structured around the reflections in the water, which mirror the architectural details above, creating a doubling effect that destabilizes our sense of reality. The gondola, a traditional Venetian boat, is central, yet its dark silhouette and that of the gondolier, suggest a sense of solitude. Witsen challenges the picturesque expectations of Venice, turning it into a study of light, shadow, and reflection. The brushstrokes are loose and fluid, enhancing the atmospheric quality and conveying the city's unique blend of beauty and decay. This approach reflects a broader artistic concern with capturing subjective experience over objective representation. By focusing on the interplay of formal elements, Witsen invites us to see Venice not as a static monument, but as a fluid, ever-changing entity.