Venice: the Doge's Palace from the Ponte della Paglia

To the left of the Doge’s Palace can be seen the Library and the columns of San Marco and San Todaro. This is a watercolour probably painted in 1827-8 and based on studies made in Venice in April-May 1826 during Bonington's tour of northern Italy. Venice was renowned for its cosmopolitan character, and the exotic costumes worn by the figures in the right foreground may well have been a familiar sight during his stay in the city. Bonington was a pioneer in the revival of interest in Venice as a subject for painting.