Venice 1880 - 1882

John Singer Sargent created this watercolour painting, Venice, during his travels in Europe. The image presents a quiet, somewhat mysterious view of a back street in Venice. Sargent was an American expatriate artist who spent much of his life in Europe. His work often captured the leisure activities of the wealthy, but here, he turns his attention to the everyday scenes of Venice. The narrow street and the muted colours create a sense of intimacy, while the shadows evoke a feeling of melancholy. Venice, as a popular destination for wealthy tourists, had a unique institutional position as both a vestige of the past and a modern attraction. This image subtly challenges the stereotypical depictions of Venice. To understand this artwork better, we can look at photographs and social histories of Venice during this period. By considering the social conditions that shaped Sargent’s vision, we can understand this picture as more than just a pretty picture. It is a historical document, reflecting the artist's relationship to a particular time and place.