Bidspirit auction | Fohn, Emanuel (1881-1966)

Fohn, Emanuel (1881-1966) - Oil on panel Signed lower right Uncut passe-partout opening: 18.90in × 13.78in The Venetian veduta occupies an important place in Emanuel Fohn’s oeuvre. On his journeys to Venice, the artist repeatedly depicted the city’s characteristic views and squares. In the present work, the view opens across the spacious Piazzetta towards the two iconic columns bearing the Lion of St. Mark and the statue of St. Theodore. The surrounding architecture is only suggested, giving precedence to the atmospheric quality of the scene. With loose, expressive brushstrokes and a finely balanced, luminous palette, Fohn captures the distinctive light of Venice. Delicate shades of pink, blue and turquoise create a vibrant, impressionistic atmosphere, while the small, sketchily rendered figures enliven the square and emphasize the work’s spontaneous, observational character.