Artwork
The leaning tower of Bologna
The leaning tower of Bologna is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist William Callow. It dates from 1864 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
The Leaning Tower of Bologna is a watercolour painting created by William Callow in 1864, signed and dated by the artist.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a vibrant scene in Bologna, with the leaning tower as the central focus, set against a backdrop of a dome-topped church, surrounded by old buildings and bustling street life.
Technique & Style
Callow employed quick, loose brushstrokes to convey a sense of movement and capture the play of light, imbuing the scene with dynamism. The colour palette features warm browns and grays for the architecture, contrasted with a light blue sky and soft clouds.
History & Provenance
Created in 1864, the painting's provenance and historical context beyond its creation are not detailed here, though it bears Callow's signature and date.
Context
While the painting's style aligns more closely with traditional landscape techniques of its time, its emphasis on capturing light and movement through brushwork foreshadows elements of the Impressionist movement that would emerge later.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Venice
Corso Sant'Anastasia, Verona, with the Palace of Prince Maffei
The Municipio, Florence
The Casa d'Oro, Venice
Domo d'Ossola, Piedmont
The Duomo in Milan from a Side Street
Palazzo Contarini Fasan, on the Grand Canal, Venice
Bologna
The Piazza San Marco
Segovia, Spain
The Grand Canal, Venice, Looking Toward the Rialto