Artwork
Riva degli Schiavoni, No. 1
Riva degli Schiavoni, No. 1 is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Frank Duveneck. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Frank Duveneck’s print titled *Riva degli Schiavoni, No. 1* is an 1880 etching executed on wove paper. The work combines traditional etching with roulette and chine collé, resulting in a black‑and‑white image that captures a bustling Venetian waterfront.
Subject & Meaning
The composition depicts the Riva degli Schiavoni promenade, crowded with pedestrians who sit, stroll, and converse along the quay. Tall‑masted vessels dominate the harbor, while a row of buildings frames the scene, conveying the daily rhythm of a 19th‑century port city.
Technique & Style
Duveneck employed a loose, sketch‑like line that varies in thickness and texture, achieved through direct scratching of the metal plate. The uneven, rough strokes give the print a sense of immediacy and movement, while the roulette tool adds subtle tonal variation across the surface.
History & Provenance
Created in 1880, the print is part of Duveneck’s series of Italian views produced during his travels. It remains a representative example of his interest in urban scenes and his experimentation with mixed printmaking methods, though specific ownership records beyond its original issuance are limited.
Artist & collection
