This watercolour captures one of Venice's characteristic water gates, where canals meet the city's buildings. These entrances were essential to Venetian life, allowing goods and people to arrive directly by boat. The weathered stone, peeling plaster, and reflections in the green water create a scene that is both romantic and practical. The painting reflects Venice's unique relationship with water, where the canal is as much a street as any paved walkway.
 
Interesting facts...
Venice has over 150 canals and more than 400 bridges connecting its islands. Water gates, or “porte da acqua”, were designed with steps leading down to the canal level, which varies with the tides. Many palazzos have both a water entrance for boats and a land entrance for carriages. The famous Ca' d'Oro and Palazzo Contarini have particularly ornate water gates. Acqua alta, or high water, regularly floods these entrances, a problem exacerbated by rising sea levels.
 
Location: Venice, Italy