Venice

About this work

This sketch shows a busy Venetian harbor with tall ships docked along wooden posts in the water. Buildings line the shore, and a large domed church stands in the background. The artist used quick, loose lines to capture the scene, leaving some areas lightly shaded. The drawing looks rough and unfinished, almost like a quick note. That’s because it’s an *etching*—a printmaking method where the artist scratches into metal plates. The gray wash adds depth without heavy detail. Next, check out etching to see how artists like Whistler created these sketches.