Skip to product information
The Water Carrier by Eugen von Blaas
The Water Carrier by Eugen von Blaas
The Water Carrier by Eugen von Blaas
The Water Carrier by Eugen von Blaas
The Water Carrier by Eugen von Blaas
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

The Water Carrier by Eugen von Blaas

  • Eugen von Blaas captures a young Venetian beauty in this exceptional oil
  • The artist was renowned for his vibrantly hued portraits of Venice and its charming inhabitants
  • This work displays the best qualities of his output, from its level of detail to its luminosity
  • Get complete item description here
$165,000
Item No. 32-1263

To speak to one of our experts, call 1-888-711-8084

Description
Eugen von Blaas
Italian I 1843-1932

The Water Carrier

Signed and dated "E. von Blaas 1891" (lower right)
Oil on canvas

Eugen von Blaas’ unparalleled skill for genre painting is on display in this exceptional oil, entitled The Water Carrier. This luminous painting perfectly captures the spirit of Venice through the charm of its alluring inhabitants—two of von Blaas' favorite and most celebrated subjects.

The work centers a young Venetian woman during. . .
Read More
Eugen von Blaas
Italian I 1843-1932

The Water Carrier

Signed and dated "E. von Blaas 1891" (lower right)
Oil on canvas

Eugen von Blaas’ unparalleled skill for genre painting is on display in this exceptional oil, entitled The Water Carrier. This luminous painting perfectly captures the spirit of Venice through the charm of its alluring inhabitants—two of von Blaas' favorite and most celebrated subjects.

The work centers a young Venetian woman during the course of her chores as she carries filled water vessels. Layer upon layer of fine glazes were applied to create the rich, blushing skin tone of the Italian beauty, while her vibrant clothing lends mesmerizing detail to the scene. Von Blaas' precise technique, combined with the work's luminous palette, creates a sense of immediacy and warmth that defines the best of von Blaas' Venetian genre paintings.

Born in 1843 to Austrian parents in Italy, von Blaas was raised in a household steeped in artistic tradition. His father, Karl Blaas, was a renowned portraitist and history painter, while his brother specialized in military scenes. When Karl was appointed professor at the Venice Academy of Fine Arts, the family relocated to the floating city—a move that profoundly shaped von Blaas’ artistic vision. Though he studied in Rome, Vienna and Paris, it was Venice that remained his greatest muse. Captivated by its light, architecture and everyday moments of romance and social interplay, he became the foremost painter of Venetian genre scenes.

During Venice’s Austrian rule, von Blaas adopted the Italianized name “Eugen de Blaas” for his local clientele, while retaining “von Blaas” for his Austrian patrons. His works were widely exhibited throughout Europe, including at the Royal Academy, Grafton Gallery and New Gallery between 1875 and 1892, earning him international acclaim. Today, his paintings remain highly sought after by collectors and institutions alike, prized for their technical brilliance and timeless charm.

Dated 1891

Canvas: 35 1/2" high x 16 1/2" wide (90.17 x 41.91 cm)
Frame: 45 1/2" high x 26" wide x 2 3/4" deep (115.57 x 66.04 x 6.99 cm)

Provenance:
Private Collection, United Kingdom
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Private Collection, United States
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Read Less
The Water Carrier by Eugen von Blaas
Maker: von Blaas, Eugen
Period: 1816-1918
Origin: Italy
Type: Paintings
Style: Academic
Depth: 2.75 in. (6.99 cm)
Width: 26.0 in. (66.04 cm)
Height: 45.5 in. (115.57 cm)
Canvas Width: 16.500 in. (41.91 cm)
Canvas Height: 35.500 in. (90.17 cm)
The Water Carrier by Eugen von Blaas
Provenance and the Art Market

Controversies of the Art World Elgin Marbles. c. 447-438 B.C.E.. The British Museum.   When one thinks of the word ‘provenance,’ the first headline that comes to mind is the widely known case...

Read More
The Water Carrier by Eugen von Blaas
The Wonderful Wares of Venice

Anyone who has been to Venice knows that it is a world all its own. Floating atop the waters of the Adriatic Sea, it is a city that carries with it an innate...

Read More
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

The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

Our philosophy has always been to offer clients only the very finest antiques, works of art and jewelry, and to back every transaction with the highest level of customer service. Earning your trust and delivering only the very best pieces is our top priority.

-Bill Rau, Third-Generation Owner

Fine Art

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private. . .

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Bill Rau’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

Our experienced fine art consultants offer personalized and confidential fine art consultation services to all clients. Whether you are looking to begin collecting art, grow an existing collection, or redefine your collecting strategy, M.S. Rau can support you on this journey.

Jewelry

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses. . .

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

Antiques

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the. . .

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

Whether you are just starting your collection, adding to an existing collection or even decorating your home, our team’s knowledge and experience can assist you in your endeavor. We have services and procedures in place to make your acquisition process both enjoyable and efficient.