The Canal dei Marani, Where State Inquisitors Had Them Drowned
1797
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
1797
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
The Canal dei Marani, Where State Inquisitors Had Them Drowned is a 1797 ink by Giovanni De Pian, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This dark, dramatic scene shows a group of men in a small boat on choppy water. One man is being thrown violently into the air by another, while others watch or try to hold him back. The sky is stormy, and the waves crash around the boat, making the whole scene feel tense and chaotic. The text at the bottom hints this is about power and punishment—likely a protest against authority. The artist used sharp lines and shadows to make the action feel urgent. If you like this style, look up etching to see how artists create deep contrast with ink and metal plates.
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