A. Brunet-Debaines, Gondolas on the Venetian Lagoon, 1880, Etching

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A wide, hazy view across the lagoon at venice. Gondolas glide over still water toward the viewer, the nearest with … Read more A wide, hazy view across the lagoon at venice. Gondolas glide over still water toward the viewer, the nearest with its covered cabin and high curved prow, while others carry passengers into the middle distance. On the right, a press of boats and figures crowds the shore, and beyond them a low line of palaces and bell towers stretches along the horizon. To the left, more buildings and a tall square tower rise out of the mist. Above, the sky is swept with feathery strokes, and the light seems to dissolve the city into air and water. The atmosphere is everything here: there is no hard edge in the distance, and the reflections of the boats lie long and broken on the surface of the water. The plate is signed in the lower left by alfred brunet-debaines (1845 to 1939), the french etcher who made many plates after turner and other english painters for london publishers in the 1870s. The sheet carries no title or publisher's line. This is an etching, with fine, open lines in the sky and water and denser work in the boats and figures, printed in warm black on cream paper, with the plate mark visible around the image. A soft, airy image that would suit a bathroom, a bedroom or a sunny landing, framed lightly in silver, pale wood or white. Condition: light handling wear to the bottom left and top right corners; minor nicks along the top edge. Light, uneven toning, slightly darker toward the edges. A few small foxing spots in the margin. A small light fleck in the printed area. This is an original antique print, not a modern reproduction. This item is sold unframed. Any framed or interior images are shown for presentation and inspiration only, unless the listing explicitly states that the item is sold framed. See less