Isola del Lazaretto Nuovo 1778 - 1779

Francesco Tironi created this drawing, Isola del Lazzaretto Nuovo, with pen, brown ink, and wash on paper. The composition is neatly split between the sky and the water, providing a backdrop to the buildings and boats. Tironi's meticulous application of ink and wash models the structures of the island and its activities. The horizontal lines of the architecture contrast with the organic shapes of the clouds and the gentle curves of the water, creating a sense of depth and space. The drawing emphasizes the liminal space between land and sea, a recurring theme in Venetian art which reflects the city's relationship with trade, travel and, perhaps, its vulnerability. The delicate lines and muted tones give the image a sense of stillness that invites contemplation, hinting at the transient nature of human activity against the backdrop of time and history.