Sketch of House and Canal (Possibly in Venice) 1841 - 1897

Andrew Fisher Bunner’s ‘Sketch of House and Canal (Possibly in Venice)’, is a drawing rendered with ink on paper. The sketch presents an intimate scene of Venetian life, dominated by architectural forms and gentle human presence. Bunner employs a delicate interplay of light and shadow, achieved through the density and direction of his linework. Notice how the varying textures of the building’s facade, the water’s surface, and the surrounding foliage are delineated using hatching and cross-hatching techniques, evoking a sense of depth and atmosphere. The composition is structured around a central cluster of buildings, balanced by open space, drawing our eye through the canal towards a distant structure, anchoring the sketch in a specific locale. Bunner uses a semiotic system of signs to construct the sense of place. The architectural forms, the gondolas, and the figures along the canal all act as cultural codes, alluding to Venice and the artistic tropes associated with the city. Consider how the drawing functions not just as a visual document, but as a site for interpreting cultural and philosophical discourse. The structure of the sketch allows for an ongoing interpretation of its elements.