Uitzicht over de lagune van Venetië, in de verte de kerk van San Giorgio Maggiore 1889 - 1893

This photograph captures a view across the Venetian lagoon towards the church of San Giorgio Maggiore, and was taken by Johanna Margaretha Piek. Born in the Netherlands in 1870, Piek was working at a time when women were gaining more access to artistic professions, but were still often confined to certain genres. Landscape photography was a popular choice, providing opportunities for travel and artistic expression. Here, the soft sepia tones evoke a sense of nostalgia, framing Venice as an enduring, timeless city. The gondolas gliding across the water are silhouetted against the light, hinting at the labor and lives of the gondoliers, who have historically passed down their trade through generations. The choice of composition, with the church of San Giorgio Maggiore in the distance, emphasizes the grandeur and history of Venice. This image invites us to reflect on the layers of history, labor, and identity that shape our experience of iconic places.