Artwork
Et mådeligt maleri, forestillende en venetiansk søhavn

Et mådeligt maleri, forestillende en venetiansk søhavn is a photography by Unknown. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Created around 1750, this modest canvas depicts a tranquil Venetian harbor.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1750, this modest canvas depicts a tranquil Venetian harbor. The composition is anchored by an imposing ancient column in the foreground, surrounded by a few figures and animals. Beyond, a bridge spans the water beside modest buildings, while a calm sky and a cluster of trees frame the left side. The work belongs to the collection of the Museum of Ethnography.
Subject & Meaning
The painting captures a moment of everyday life in Venice, juxtaposing the grandeur of historic architecture with ordinary activity. The column suggests a relic of antiquity, while the pedestrians and livestock convey the city's ongoing commerce and social rhythm. The serene atmosphere and balanced elements evoke a sense of continuity between past and present.
Technique & Style
Executed in a restrained palette, the artist employs soft modeling to render the sky and water, allowing the architectural forms to dominate the visual field. Linear perspective guides the eye toward the distant bridge, while subtle chiaroscuro gives depth to the figures and the column. The overall style reflects mid‑18th‑century Northern European interpretations of Italian scenery.
History & Provenance
Attributed to the artist recorded as 37519_person, the canvas entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date. Its dating to circa 1750 places it within a period when European collectors favored picturesque depictions of Mediterranean ports, often acquired through trade networks linking Northern Europe and Italy.
Artist & collection



















