Light, bright and full of great color, this canal and lagoon scene blends the caring and careful expertise of the renown painter of Venice, Antonio Maria de Reyna Manescau, within its boundaries. Even without specifics of the place or moment, and there are some, it is a universally appealing art work. The mirrored water echos the tall architectural details, and bits of multi-colored bricks peek forth just enough to hint at the efforts made by builders and the artist.
On the water, a Mediterranean lanteen-rigged sailing ship is parallel to the bridge where it is ever so slightly suggested that a couple is meeting for a romantic moment. Empty gondolas line the waters edge, and the heavy deep and varied gardens of an aged estate tries to obtain the elevation of the higher still local towers.
Sharp details and a soft overall focus put this Reyna work in the top group of his extensive output of originals. Born a Spaniard, he spent most of his artistic life in Venice, and knew well the off the main track locations that held the beauty and character he so well depicts. This great example is in perfect condition to illustrate his mastery, and the horizontal two-to-one ratio heightens its desirability.
