1922, Maurice Brazil Prendergast, Ponte della Paglia -- Smithsonian American Art Museum (Washington) (special exhibition)
From the exhibition label: Looking down from the balconies of the Ducal Palace, Prendergast captures the rainbow of parasols and dresses among pedestrians on the Riva degli Schiavoni, celebrating the crowds and merriment of this public space. Rather than conjuring a historical fantasy, his work remains firmly in the present. The harbor is busy with boats, and restaurants along the quay invite visitors to enjoy a view across the lagoons as they dine. A tricolor Italian flag waves proudly over this scene. The artist uses tesserae-like pops of color to construct this panorama, working in a bold, modern style akin to mosaic design.
1922, Maurice Brazil Prendergast, Ponte della Paglia -- Smithsonian American Art Museum (Washington) (special exhibition)
From the exhibition label: Looking down from the balconies of the Ducal Palace, Prendergast captures the rainbow of parasols and dresses among pedestrians on the Riva degli Schiavoni, celebrating the crowds and merriment of this public space. Rather than conjuring a historical fantasy, his work remains firmly in the present. The harbor is busy with boats, and restaurants along the quay invite visitors to enjoy a view across the lagoons as they dine. A tricolor Italian flag waves proudly over this scene. The artist uses tesserae-like pops of color to construct this panorama, working in a bold, modern style akin to mosaic design.