Exploring Venice – A Virtual Exhibition by Gladwell & Patterson
The great joy of exploring Venice is the thrill that comes from discovering the undiscovered for ourselves. At every twist and turn down an alley way or across a canal we open ourselves to the chance of finding a captivating corner, being witness to an illuminating view or discovering something breath-taking. The surprise of the unknown always delights, charms and captivates – this is what keeps us all exploring.
The wonderous city of Venice has inspired many great artists throughout the centuries and Gladwell & Patterson, experts in fine art since 1752, are delighted in showcasing exquisite paintings of La Serenissima in an online exhibition this January and February. The exhibition celebrates thirty years since the gallery hosted the inaugural Venice in Peril Exhibition at W. H. Patterson in Albermarle Street and builds on the gallery’s rich association with the artists that have captured Venice in all her glory over the past one hundred years.
Though the doors of the gallery are closed at present, this online exhibition presents a rich collection of paintings by celebrated artists including Jonathan Pike, Peter Van Breda, Matthew Alexander, Auguste Bouvard, Ronny Moortgat, Walter Dolphyn, Lionel Aggett, Jose Checa Galindo, Veronica Herwegen- Mainini and Paul S Brown. These artists capture the city from its iconic buildings and to its quiet backwaters, revealing the timeless inspiration this magnificent city provides.
Throughout its rich and unique history, Venice has become a muse to so many great artists featured in this wonderful exhibition. The celebrated French artist Auguste Bouvard captured the intense colours and glistening light reflections of the city in his paintings. As Anthony Fuller, owner of Gladwell & Patterson, says of the artists’ Venetian subjects, “A sweep of colour creates light on the water and a shimmering reflection. Bouvard was a master of golden light and hidden shadows”. Jonathan Pike, broadly acknowledged to be one of the finest architectural painters of his generation, perfectly articulates the unique architectural heritage of Venice and the gradual decay of its grand facades in his fascinating studies. Meanwhile Peter van Breda’s vibrant Venetian landscapes describe the Venice of today; bustling crowds outside San Marco, locals in the Rialto Fish Market and the quiet backwaters of the Giudecca.
Juxtaposed with the images of these beautiful paintings, the exhibition takes a sweeping look at the historical development of the city from a collection of muddy Islands to the clever man-made artifice of canals we see today. Built from Dalmatian stone and in architectural styles bridging Romanesque to the Renaissance and beyond, this city was in many ways a prediction of all that we have experienced this year. As trade, people, money, ideas and innovation flowed through this exciting place, so did disease and epidemics. Quarantine, travel bans and self-isolation, so much of what we have experienced over the last year, were conceived to protect the city and population of Venice.
About Gladwell & Patterson – the gallery is internationally renowned as experts in fine oil paintings, watercolours and sculptures from 19th to 20th century works and from landscapes to portraits by leading artists practising today. We offer a bespoke home delivery service through G&P Home and welcome enquiries about this exciting new way to buy paintings and sculpture.
