The Rialto, Venice
About this artwork
The distinctive architecture of the Rialto Bridge is depicted in shade, immediately enhancing its powerful presence across the Grand Canal. Turner used the whiteness of the paper itself to describe the sun bleached facades of the buildings, simply suggesting the architectural detail with a few light touches of the brush. The contrast of light and shadow between buildings and bridge is striking. Turner also captured the colourful character of the busy canal traffic and its reflections in the water. This drawing is connected with the artist's last visit to Venice in 1840.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Joseph Mallord William TurnerEnglish (1775 - 1851)
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title:The Rialto, Venice
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date created:About 1819 - 1835
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materials:Watercolour over black chalk
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measurements:22.70 x 30.20 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Henry Vaughan Bequest 1900
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accession number:D NG 874
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gallery:
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subject:
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photographer:Antonia Reeve
Joseph Mallord William Turner
Joseph Mallord William Turner
Turner transformed the art of landscape painting in Britain. From detailed topographical studies to expansive, atmospheric vistas his works celebrate the diversity and emotive power of nature. He was born in Covent Garden, the son of a barber, and exhibited his earliest sketches in his father's...