Kanaal te Venetië 1870 - 1923

Willem Witsen made this watercolor, "Canal in Venice," using a medium that can trick us into underestimating its capabilities. Watercolor demands a light touch; the artist coaxes pigment across paper, achieving luminosity through transparent layers. Look closely, and you’ll see how Witsen uses these qualities to capture Venice’s unique atmosphere. The blurred reflections on the water, the soft rendering of the building’s facade, and the hazy light – all are made possible by the fluid properties of watercolor. There’s a delicacy here, but also a keen observation of light and architecture. Consider the gondola, a crafted object in its own right, perfectly still and a testament to Venetian artisanship, waiting to carry its passengers through the city's waterways. Witsen's choice of watercolor elevates it beyond a mere sketch, inviting us to appreciate its capacity to reflect Venice’s ethereal beauty.