Joseph Lindon Smith (Pawtucket, Rhode Island, 1863 - 1950, Dublin, New Hampshire)
Entrance Arcade of the Palazzo Barbaro, 1892
Watercolor on paper, 56.6 x 41.7 cm (22 5/16 x 16 7/16 in.)
This vertical watercolor painting depicts the columned entrance arcade of the Palazzo Barbaro in Venice.
There are dominant geometric patterns in the horizontal wood beams of the ceiling, the rectangular stone tiles of the floor, and the repeating arches along the sides. At the entrance to the arcade are two identical stone columns with simple raised bases and intricately carved capitals. There is a third column to the far left, which is skinnier and taller than the other two. Its shaft is carved in a swirling pattern.
An iron and glass light fixture hangs from a single rod on an entry beam. The ceiling, floor and sides extend forward with the perspective of a long hallway. Light filters in through the archways creating a rainbow of color in soft pastel shades. At the far end of the arcade is an iron arch filled with circular, swirling ironwork. Iron and glass fixtures are placed on both sides of the arch. In both the upper right and left corners of the wall are carved medallions. Potted green plants stand on either side of the opening. Sunlight shines off the ground between and beyond the plants. Further out, two pillars stand a distance from each other. A wooded area of green foliage forms a wall to the back. In the lower right corner is the artist’s signature.
Vatichino
Commentary
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