Venice 1931

Konstantin Gorbatov's painting presents Venice through a veil of shimmering light, using oil on canvas. Dominating the scene is the campanile, a symbol of Venice, reaching skyward like a beacon of civic pride and historical continuity. The motif of the tower is prevalent throughout art history, from the Tower of Babel, symbolizing ambition and divine discord, to the defensive towers of medieval castles. This Venetian campanile has been re-interpreted through time. In the context of Venice, it signifies stability but also hints at the city's vulnerability to time and tides. Venice, rising from the sea, mirrors the mythical Atlantis. The reflections in the water add a layer of psychological depth. Water, as a symbol, has both life-giving and destructive forces. The repetition of architectural forms in the reflection creates a dreamlike effect, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. Gorbatov captures the essence of Venice as a city suspended between reality and a dream, a place where history and myth converge.