The artwork “Santa Maria Della Salute,” created by Graham Sutherland in 1957, epitomizes the stylistic attributes of Expressionism and Neo-Romanticism. This cityscape painting reflects the artist’s distinctive interpretation, revealing a profound emotive engagement with urban architecture.
In the artwork, the grand edifice of the Santa Maria Della Salute dominates the composition. The building’s intricate baroque architecture is accentuated, portraying the structure with monumental presence. The greenish hue of the sky and surrounding shadows create a somber and almost mystical atmosphere. The red drapery in the central archway provides a stark contrast to the cool tones of the facade, intensifying the painting’s dramatic effect. The building appears to emerge from its surroundings, and the slight abstraction in its representation adds to the expressive nature of the piece, emphasizing the emotional resonance over precise architectural accuracy.