Boats and Gondolas before the Piazza San Marco

Félix Ziem

Associated Names
Félix Ziem

Artist, French, 1821 - 1911

The image portrays a harbor scene with a tall ship in the center, seen from a slightly upward angle. The mast of the ship dominates the composition, stretching towards the sky filled with clouds. The horizon is low, with outlines of ships and architectural structures, including a domed building and a tower on the right, suggesting a distant cityscape. The artwork features loose, expressive brushstrokes that convey motion and spontaneity. The color scheme is monochromatic with sepia tones, giving the scene an antiquated quality. The water reflects the ship and surroundings with impressionistic lines, adding to the dynamic harbor setting.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and brown ink and wash on laid paper, mounted on cardboard

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Benjamin and Lillian Hertzberg

  • Dimensions

    overall: 29.1 x 19.2 cm (11 7/16 x 7 9/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2004.140.36


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Huguette Berès, Paris); Benjamin and Lilian Hertzberg, New York; gift to NGA, 2004.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

lower center in brown ink: L'art est la langue universelle qui exprime les / situations du coeur et de l'espirit humain-- / il nous laisse des tracer, vivantes de tous ceux qui / ont aime et sente l'eternelle beauté - / Ziem

Wikidata ID

Q64561286

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