Gezicht op de Lagune van Venetië voor Murano 1889 - 1902

Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's-Gravesande created this print called "Gezicht op de Lagune van Venetië voor Murano." Storm van 's-Gravesande was working during a time of significant change in Europe. Industrialization was rapidly transforming societies, leading to new social structures and ways of life. The art world was equally in flux. Traditional academic styles were being challenged by avant-garde movements such as Impressionism. Looking at this scene, the city of Venice appears in the distance as a faint silhouette. The artist captures the essence of Venice through the daily life on the lagoon rather than focusing on the architecture. We see boats sailing across the water, their sails full, evoking a sense of movement. Wooden posts are visible in the foreground, creating depth, perhaps functioning as moorings. The subtlety of the shading is notable. The print captures a hazy day. Storm van 's-Gravesande invites us to contemplate Venice. It is a city that has undergone significant transformation in the name of progress.