'On the Lagoons', oil painting of Venice at sunset by Gabrini

This beautiful work is notable for its superb handling of light, effectively casting a dusky glow over the subjects in the centre.

The work has a simple composition, depicting two women punting across the waters outside of Venice. One woman reclines against bunches of crops including cabbages and carrots, which could suggest that the women either bought or were selling these wares today. Her companion stands to the right, and deftly moves the boat via a punting stick. The two women are dressed in colourful shirts and skirts of a peasant style.

Very little surrounds the two women and their boat, effectively emphasising their role as the subject. The entire lower half of the canvas is taken up by the calm waters, and the reflective surface is superbly rendered by the artist. Along the right-hand horizon, glimpses of Venetian buildings can be seen in the far distance: there is a sense of peaceful solitude for the female subjects. The work is executed in a realistic manner, with particular attention given to the evening sky and its reflection in the tranquil water.

Enclosed within an ornately carved giltwood frame, the painting is signed to the lower right ‘P. Gabrini, Roma’. The frame itself is titled and inscribed ‘On the Lagoons, Venice / P. Gabrini’, and there is an old dealer’s label to the reverse. Born in Rome, Pietro Gabrini (1856-1926) is known for his works depicting Italian life and landscape, characterised by a deft handling of light and colour. His work is held in several notable collections around the world.

With its charming subject, this antique painting could suit both a traditional and a contemporary interior.

Canvas: Height 65cm, width 101cm
Frame: Height 94cm, width 132cm, depth 10cm