Gezicht op gondels in de lagune van Venetië, in de verte rechts de Santa Maria della Presentazione en links de kerk van San Giorgio Maggiore 1889 - 1893

Johanna Margaretha Piek captured this view of gondolas in the Venetian lagoon, likely at the turn of the 20th century. Piek, a Dutch artist, painted and photographed in a time when travel became increasingly accessible to women of the European middle class. This photographic print offers a glimpse into the romantic and picturesque visions of Venice that captivated many at the time. The gondolas, traditionally linked to Venetian identity and labor, are here aestheticized, inviting viewers to imagine themselves gliding through the serene waters. The composition emphasizes a sense of tranquility, with the gentle reflections of light on the water and the distant architectural landmarks creating a harmonious scene. The photograph encourages us to think about whose Venice is being represented here, and who is invited to participate in its story. It reflects how Venice has been marketed and consumed, shaping cultural perceptions and, at the same time, obscuring the lived realities of its inhabitants.