This work stands out among the paintings of george Loring Brown for its strong coloration and the heavy impasto that enhances its textural richness. Brown's familiarity with his subject was a product of 20 years spent in Italy creating romantic views of the country's scenic grandeur.
Instilled with a soft luminism and reverence for the detail of the classic Venetian architecture, Brown has crisply portrayed the romantic harbor with remarkable precision. A beautifully rendered gondola dominates the foreground against a backdrop that includes two merchant brigs and other local shipping. Behind, the tower of the easily identifiable Doge's Palace accents the city skyline.
Brown's distinctive approach for portraying the highly reflective surface of water with softly graduated color is another very appealing aspect of this work. Painted from memory in 1880, after his return to this country, it represents Brown's fully matured talent that marked him as one of the best of his generation.
Inscribed Verso with Title, Signature and Date
