Santa Maria Della Salute, Venice 

Konstantin Gorbatov rendered Santa Maria Della Salute in oil paint, capturing the shimmering light on the Venetian lagoon. Gorbatov, born in Russia, found refuge in Italy after fleeing political unrest. This painting presents an interesting intersection of identity and place. As an émigré, Venice, with its unique cultural history, likely represented a sanctuary for Gorbatov. He would have encountered a city steeped in traditions of trade and exchange, much like his homeland, but offering a different political landscape. Look at how he softens the edges of the architecture with his brushstrokes. It’s as if Venice is unveiled through a mist of memory and emotion. The vibrant sails of the boat cut through the muted blues and grays and draw our eye, suggesting movement, change, and perhaps the artist’s own journey. Ultimately, this painting isn't merely a depiction of Venice, but a reflection on displacement, adaptation, and the search for belonging.