Images(5)

The Grand Canal: Scene - a Street in Venice

Maker Joseph Mallord William Turner (British, 1775 - 1851)

Collections

British Paintings

ClassificationsPAINTINGS

Dateca.1837

Mediumoil on canvas

Dimensions59 1/4 x 44 1/4 in. (150.5 x 112.4 cm.)

DescriptionThe Grand Canal in perspective, the sides crowded with barges and gondolas filled with gaily dressed spectators; in the extreme right foreground, a crowded staircase descending to the water in shadow. Beyond it, a line of palaces in half-light, and then the Palazzo Grimani in full sun, against the sky. In the distance, left center, the bridge of the Rialto; in the center distance, a tall church. In the left foreground, gaily draped, floating landing stages on which stand a group of nuns and a Turkish boy holding out a white cup; they are turned towards a monk, who stands in prayer or benediction. To the left, a white dog, doubtless inspired by Canaletto. On the extreme right, presumably Shylock and Antonio from Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice. Blue sky, flecked with cirrus clouds. White clouds and heat mist over roofs on horizon.

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Label TextA city of light and water, Venice enabled Turner to indulge his fascination with brilliant effects of color and luminosity. This painting is based on a sketch he made in 1819 from the Grand Canal with the celebrated Rialto Bridge in the distance.

More than a simple view of the famous city, the painting presents an array of images and associations that would have been familiar to English visitors to Venice. Turner included the figure of Shylock from Shakespeare’s play The Merchant of Venice in the right foreground, leaning out a window. Shylock brandishes a document, a set of scales, and a knife – all references to his infamous demand of a pound of flesh in exchange for a loan. A golden ring, cast into the sea in the foreground, may recall how the city was known as “The Bride of the Sea.” Turner’s image of Venice is of a fantastic dreamscape of plays and fables, where reflections on the water and shimmering highlights delight the eye.

Status

On view

Object number22.52