Laguna Veneta 1880

Otto Henry Bacher made this etching of the Laguna Veneta, sometime around the turn of the 20th century. During this period, Venice was a popular destination for artists who often depicted the city’s romantic waterways. Bacher, as an American artist, engages with a long tradition of orientalism. In this instance, it's the allure of Venice as an exotic, feminine entity, a place of mystery and intrigue. This viewpoint often overlooks the lived realities of the Venetian people, whose lives and labor are essential to the city's functioning. In the print, gondolas glide through the water, yet the individuals propelling them seem generalized, anonymous. Bacher’s print may evoke feelings of longing and desire. Yet, it also prompts us to consider the ethics of representation and whose stories get told. While the piece may capture the beauty of Venice, it is crucial to think about the complexity of cultural exchange and representation.