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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
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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. . .
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
| 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) |
Buy With Confidence
For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.
On Approval
Examine select works in person before you commit
125% Guarantee
Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years
Trusted Expertise
Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists
