Santa Maria Della Salute

Sir Frank Brangwyn 1867 - 1956

Summary

Venetian canal setting painted in rich deep colours. The Santa Maria Della Salute (a Roman Catholic church) is visible in the background beneath a bright blue sky and looks upon a bustling scene of activity. Two large ships are moored on the canal with sailors aboard; beneath the vessels, gondolas laden with traders are visible selling their wares. Brangwyn visited Venice regularly between 1896 and 1928. He was enthralled by its medieval and Renaissance architecture, its bridges, gondolas and canals, and its piazzas. He made many sketches which he translated into paintings back at his London studio. This is a sketch for one of the four panels Brangwyn designed for the British Room at the Venice International Exhibition (the forerunner of the Venice Biennale) in 1907 for which he was awarded a gold medal.