Rio e Campanile San Martino, Venice 1883

Andrew Fisher Bunner made this drawing of Rio e Campanile San Martino in Venice using graphite on paper. The drawing depicts a quiet canal scene, dominated by the bell tower of San Martino. We can understand this work in the context of the late 19th century, a period when Venice was both a popular destination for tourists and a subject of artistic fascination. Bunner's choice to focus on the everyday, rather than the monumental, aligns him with a broader artistic trend towards realism and an interest in the lives of ordinary people. In terms of social critique, the drawing doesn't overtly challenge existing social norms. However, its very existence speaks to the democratizing influence of art institutions like museums, which made works like this accessible to a wider public. Understanding this drawing involves delving into the history of Venice, exploring the role of art in shaping perceptions of the city, and considering the social and economic forces that made Venice such a popular subject for artists in the first place.