ART IN VENICE: THE LION OF THE SEA

We saw magical celling and wall paintings, trompe l’oiel windows, pillars, balustrades and doors. We saw portraits that were charming and those that were less flattering.  We saw myths and legends, buildings, churches, canals. The inclusion of anecdotes about the artist’s subjects brought them to life. It was so interesting to see the effect the Silk Road had on painting into the 15th Century.  We learned how Titian painted the fine silks and velvet using pale wash and building up to the rich reds and gold fabrics. We learned about the hidden meanings of the some of the tiny details added to paintings.

Many artists are associated with Venice, but some of the most famous that were included in our talks were the Renaissance painters Titian, Giovanni Bellini, Tiepolo, Veronese, Carpaccio and Tintoretto. JMW Turner as well as the 18th-century painter Canaletto and in the early 20th century Monet painted almost ethereal pictures of the Grand Canal.

Douglas gave us a graphic and informative day which was much enjoyed by members and visitors. It made one want to jump on a plane or train to head for Venice to see all the riches, both in paintings and sculpture and in architecture that it holds.

We had a delicious lunch and light refreshments and for our next DSI we will ensure lunch is served more efficiently.