Sketch of Venice

Art Historical Context

"Sketch of Venice" (1885) by American artist Andrew Fisher Bunner the enchanting essence of Venice's iconic waterways and architecture. Rendered in fluid black ink on off-white wove paper ( 13/16 x 12 15/16 in.), this intimate sketch evokes the city's labyrinth of canals flanked by grand buildings and soaring towers. Bunner's quick, expressive lines suggest the shimmering reflections of gondolas and the play of on ancient stone, inviting viewers to wander its timeless streets. Created during the late 19th century, when American artists frequently traveled to Europe for inspiration, the work reflects the era's fascination with Venetian grandeur—a staple of the Grand Tour tradition. The smooth texture of wove paper allowed for precise ink detailing, highlighting Bunner's skill in architectural rendering and atmospheric depth. Housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing, it exemplifies how U.S. creators interpreted Old World beauty through a fresh, modern lens. Gifted to the Met by Mrs. Andrew Fisher Bunner in 1899, this piece offers a poignant glimpse into personal artistic journeys and cultural exchange, reminding us of Venice's enduring allure as a muse for generations of artists.

About the Artist

Andrew Fisher Bunner · 1841–1897

Andrew Fisher Bunner (1841–1897) was an American painter and draughtsman whose luminous watercolors of Venice and the Long Island shore earned him a distinguished reputation among his contemporaries. Born on December 27, 1841, in New York, he studied at the art school founded by Thomas Seir Cummings and took an antique drawing class at the National Academy of Design from 1862 to 1863. By 1865 he w...