“The Entrance to the Grand Canal, Venice,” by John Singer Sargent, created circa 1880-1882, is a watercolor artwork belonging to the Impressionist movement. Measuring 30.5 x 48.3 cm, this cityscape, held in a private collection, captures the serene and majestic ambiance of Venice’s iconic waterways.
The artwork prominently features the entrance to the Grand Canal in Venice, showcasing the city’s architectural splendor through Sargent’s delicate watercolor technique. The soft, muted color palette emphasizes the ephemeral qualities of light and atmosphere, characteristic of Impressionism. On the left, the identifiable dome of the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute stands against a hazy sky, while to the right, the imposing structures of the Doge’s Palace and other Venetian buildings gracefully fade into the background. The gentle brushstrokes and the interplay of light and shadow create a tranquil and almost dreamlike depiction of this historic city’s grandeur.
