Artwork

Rebuilding of the Campanile, St. Mark's, Venice : View of the portico of St. Mark's

Reginald Barratt , 1908

Rebuilding of the Campanile, St. Mark's, Venice : View of the portico of St. Mark's is a watercolor work on paper by the Post-Impressionist artist Reginald Barratt. It dates from 1908 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Reginald Barratt’s 1908 watercolour records the reconstruction of Venice’s Campanile, the bell tower adjoining St. Mark’s Basilica. The composition centers on the basilica’s portico, where scaffolding and building materials dominate the scene, while the lagoon beyond remains tranquil.

Subject & Meaning

The picture captures a moment of urban transformation, emphasizing the labor and temporary disorder of the tower’s rebuilding. By foregrounding workers, scaffolding, and exposed brick, Barratt highlights the contrast between the enduring architectural heritage and the fleeting, industrious activity required to restore it.

Technique & Style

Executed in transparent washes, the watercolour employs a muted palette of greys and earth tones to convey the overcast sky and the raw construction materials. Loose, gestural brushwork suggests movement among the workers and the texture of unfinished stone, avoiding precise detailing in favor of atmospheric effect.

History & Provenance

Signed and dated by the artist, the work dates to 1908, shortly after the Campanile’s collapse in 1902 and during its subsequent reconstruction (1903–1912). Its provenance traces to private collections of early 20th‑century British collectors of Venetian scenes, later entering the museum’s holdings through donation.

Context

The watercolour belongs to a broader tradition of British artists documenting Italian cityscapes, a genre in which Barratt was active. His focus on construction sites aligns with contemporary interests in progress and the preservation of historic monuments during a period of extensive urban renewal in Venice.