The Doge's Palace, Venice
1826
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1826
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Sunlight dances on the pink-and-white marble of Venice’s Doge’s Palace. Boats bob in the water, and a few figures stroll along the quay. Bonington painted this from a boat, working fast to catch the fleeting light. He was only 24 when he made it, two years after becoming well-known in Paris. The quick brushstrokes feel fresh, like the moment just happened. If you like how he painted light on water, look up *sfumato*.
