Universally appealing, this narrative vista of the main channel in Venice is a brilliant, bright work, with palatial estates, people at leisure and the marine vessels upon the water. The water holds flashes of color, some kelp blooms and indifferent seabirds, while people in elegant and casual dress stroll the broad concourse walkway. A renown painter of Venice, Antonio Maria de Reyna Manescau knew the environs very well, familiar with the architectural as well as the nautical details of his adoptive home city.

A large square-rigged sailing ship dominates in size the anchored gondolas, and other ships while a small row boat with two marines slides by. The architectural detail of the buildings suggests opulence and the grand age of the Mediterranean City-State, the scale well illustrating the distance across. The anchored gondolas and bright sunlight indicate that it’s midday, with the coming afternoon, activity will increase on the principle waterway.

The panoramic sensibility of Reyna’s painting mark this work as a special one in his extensive output of originals. Born a Spaniard, he spent most of his artistic life in Venice, and knew well the locations of Venice full of beauty and character he depicts. This great example is in perfect condition to illustrate his scenic mastery. The subject of his artistry and admiration in the city itself, captured in a desirable broad horizontal view.

Provenance: Private Quebec, Canada Collection for more than 80 years.