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Learn MoreSanta Maria della Salute attributed to William James
- This monumental Venetian scene is attributed to British landscape painter William James
- The artist is famed for his luminous and detailed canvases of Venice such as this
- The view from the Grand Canal captures the city's majesty and its iconic landmarks
- James' works are held in important institutions, including the Victoria & Albert Museum
- Get complete item description here
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Fl. 1754-1771 | British
Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, with Gondolas
Oil on canvas
This stunning Venetian scene is attributed to the celebrated 18th-century topographical artist William James. His brightly colored canvases of Venice are his most famous, earning him a reputation as one of the leading Venetian subject artists of his day. In this work, he captures with remarkable detail the famed Grand Canal, the main waterway. . .
Fl. 1754-1771 | British
Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, with Gondolas
Oil on canvas
This stunning Venetian scene is attributed to the celebrated 18th-century topographical artist William James. His brightly colored canvases of Venice are his most famous, earning him a reputation as one of the leading Venetian subject artists of his day. In this work, he captures with remarkable detail the famed Grand Canal, the main waterway of the iconic city. To the right, the soaring dome and impressive façade of the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute are rendered with the precise architectural details for which James' best works are renowned.
Though he is known to have been active in London between 1754 and 1771, very little is known about James’ personal life. What is known is that he never left England, relying on the images of other artists to create his own, unique interpretations. A student of the London artist Samuel Scott, he was also a pupil of the great Venetian painter Canaletto, who undoubtedly had a tremendous influence on James' output. His works gained him a great deal of attention, and he exhibited at the Society of Artists of Great Britain from 1761 to 1768 and at the Royal Academy from 1769 to 1771. He was invited to become a member of the Society of Artists in 1766. Today, his works are represented in the Royal Collection at Hampton Court and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.
Mid-18th century
Canvas: 35" high x 53 1/4" wide (88.90 x 135.26 cm)
Frame: 46 3/4" high x 65" wide x 3" deep (118.75 x 165.10 x 7.62 cm)
Provenance:
William Fox, circa 1920
William A. Clavering, Bart., Axelwell House, 1921
Private collection, United States
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Private collection
M.S. Rau, New Orleans

| Maker: | James, William |
| Period: | 1700-1815 |
| Origin: | England |
| Type: | Paintings |
| Style: | Old Masters |
| Depth: | 3.0 in. (7.62 cm) |
| Width: | 65.0 in. (165.1 cm) |
| Height: | 46.75 in. (118.75 cm) |
| Canvas Width: | 53.250 in. (135.26 cm) |
| Canvas Height: | 35.000 in. (88.9 cm) |
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