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Learn MoreGrand Canal in Venice from Campo San Vio by William James
- The Venetian Grand Canal is the subject of this scene by 18th-century British artist William James
- James was among the leading painters of Venetian views in his day and a student of Canaletto
- This work draws inspiration from a comparable view by Canaletto, with a strikingly radiant palette
- Such scenes were immensely popular in the later 18th century, as increasing numbers of British gentlemen embarked on the Grand Tour
- Get complete item description here
$148,500
Item No.
32-2297
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Description
William James
Fl. 1754-1771 | British
View of the Grand Canal, Venice, looking east from Campo San Vio towards the Dogana and the Bacino di San Marco
Oil on canvas
The legendary Venetian Grand Canal is the subject of this brilliantly hued scene by 18th-century British artist William James. His meticulously detailed canvases earned him recognition among the leading painters of Venetian views in his day. Here, he renders the vista from. . .
Fl. 1754-1771 | British
View of the Grand Canal, Venice, looking east from Campo San Vio towards the Dogana and the Bacino di San Marco
Oil on canvas
The legendary Venetian Grand Canal is the subject of this brilliantly hued scene by 18th-century British artist William James. His meticulously detailed canvases earned him recognition among the leading painters of Venetian views in his day. Here, he renders the vista from. . .
Read More
William James
Fl. 1754-1771 | British
View of the Grand Canal, Venice, looking east from Campo San Vio towards the Dogana and the Bacino di San Marco
Oil on canvas
The legendary Venetian Grand Canal is the subject of this brilliantly hued scene by 18th-century British artist William James. His meticulously detailed canvases earned him recognition among the leading painters of Venetian views in his day. Here, he renders the vista from Campo San Vio toward the Riva degli Schiavoni with assured technical mastery. Every element is carefully orchestrated, from the stately 16th-century Palazzo Barbarigo to the lively figures that animate the foreground.
Like many of James’ compositions, this work draws inspiration from a comparable view by Canaletto, whose Grand Canal scene from San Vio (circa 1723–24) is now in the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza. James adopts a similar vantage point and even echoes select figures, including the maiden at the balcony in the upper right. Yet where Canaletto favored restrained browns, tans and cool blues, James enlivens the architecture with a more vivid palette of crimson and deep orange. The effect is less strictly naturalistic but strikingly radiant, underscoring the artist’s distinctive interpretation of Venice.
Active in London between 1754 and 1771, William James remains a somewhat elusive figure. He was a pupil of the great Venetian master Canaletto, likely assisting in his studio during the artist’s visit to England in 1754. Canaletto’s influence is evident in James’ exceptional Venetian views. Such scenes were immensely popular in the later 18th century, as increasing numbers of British gentlemen embarked on the Grand Tour and sought painted souvenirs of Italy’s splendors. James capitalized on this demand, producing accomplished views that earned him recognition in London. He exhibited at the Society of Artists of Great Britain from 1761 to 1768 and at the Royal Academy of Arts from 1769 to 1771, and was elected a member of the Society of Artists in 1766. Today, his works are held in prestigious collections, including the Royal Collection at Hampton Court Palace.
Mid-18th century
Canvas: 19 7/8" high x 34" wide (50.48 x 86.36 cm)
Frame: 25 1/2" high x 39 5/8" wide x 2 1/2" deep (64.77 x 100.65 x 6.35 cm)
Provenance:
Private Collection, England
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Private Collection, Florida
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Fl. 1754-1771 | British
View of the Grand Canal, Venice, looking east from Campo San Vio towards the Dogana and the Bacino di San Marco
Oil on canvas
The legendary Venetian Grand Canal is the subject of this brilliantly hued scene by 18th-century British artist William James. His meticulously detailed canvases earned him recognition among the leading painters of Venetian views in his day. Here, he renders the vista from Campo San Vio toward the Riva degli Schiavoni with assured technical mastery. Every element is carefully orchestrated, from the stately 16th-century Palazzo Barbarigo to the lively figures that animate the foreground.
Like many of James’ compositions, this work draws inspiration from a comparable view by Canaletto, whose Grand Canal scene from San Vio (circa 1723–24) is now in the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza. James adopts a similar vantage point and even echoes select figures, including the maiden at the balcony in the upper right. Yet where Canaletto favored restrained browns, tans and cool blues, James enlivens the architecture with a more vivid palette of crimson and deep orange. The effect is less strictly naturalistic but strikingly radiant, underscoring the artist’s distinctive interpretation of Venice.
Active in London between 1754 and 1771, William James remains a somewhat elusive figure. He was a pupil of the great Venetian master Canaletto, likely assisting in his studio during the artist’s visit to England in 1754. Canaletto’s influence is evident in James’ exceptional Venetian views. Such scenes were immensely popular in the later 18th century, as increasing numbers of British gentlemen embarked on the Grand Tour and sought painted souvenirs of Italy’s splendors. James capitalized on this demand, producing accomplished views that earned him recognition in London. He exhibited at the Society of Artists of Great Britain from 1761 to 1768 and at the Royal Academy of Arts from 1769 to 1771, and was elected a member of the Society of Artists in 1766. Today, his works are held in prestigious collections, including the Royal Collection at Hampton Court Palace.
Mid-18th century
Canvas: 19 7/8" high x 34" wide (50.48 x 86.36 cm)
Frame: 25 1/2" high x 39 5/8" wide x 2 1/2" deep (64.77 x 100.65 x 6.35 cm)
Provenance:
Private Collection, England
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Private Collection, Florida
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Read Less
Specifications
| Maker: | James, William |
| Period: | 1700-1815 |
| Origin: | England |
| Type: | Paintings |
| Style: | Old Masters |
Buy with Confidence
At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.
Learn More
