Artwork
Rainy Night, Venice
Rainy Night, Venice is a print by the Impressionist artist Otto H. Bacher. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1921.231
About this work
Overview
Created in 1880, Rainy Night, Venice is a black‑and‑white print by American artist Otto H. Bacher. The work captures a nocturnal view of Venice under rain, with buildings and water rendered in softened, misty outlines. It is part of the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The image presents a quiet Venetian waterfront shrouded in rain, where the architecture merges with the surrounding fog. A solitary boat drifts near the center, its faint silhouette emphasizing the solitude and transience of urban life during a stormy night.
Technique & Style
Bacher employs rapid, sketch‑like strokes that suggest the fleeting quality of rain and movement on the water. The monochrome palette and loosely defined forms create a sense of atmospheric depth, while the energetic line work conveys the restless mood of the scene.
History & Provenance
Born in Cleveland in 1856, Bacher was primarily known for etchings and illustrations, though he also worked in oil. He produced this print early in his career, and it later entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains on view.
Context
The work reflects the late‑19th‑century fascination with atmospheric effects and urban landscapes, a theme common among American artists who traveled abroad. Bacher’s focus on Venice aligns with contemporary interest in European cityscapes rendered through the immediacy of printmaking.
Artist & collection
Artist
Otto Henry Bacher (May 31, 1856, Cleveland - August 16, 1909, Bronxville, New York) was an American artist; primarily known for his etchings and illustrations. He also painted oils in a variety of genres.
