Venise et le Campanile au clair de lune 1870 - 1890

Félix Ziem created this painting of Venice, its Campanile under the moonlight, using oil on canvas. The painting invites us into a nocturne where the interplay of light and shadow dominates. The Campanile and surrounding buildings emerge as dark silhouettes against a sky where the moon struggles to break through turbulent clouds. Notice how Ziem uses broad, expressive brushstrokes to capture the dynamism of the sky. The reflection of moonlight on the water creates a visual rhythm which anchors the composition. This romantic depiction of Venice can be seen as an exploration into the sublime. The manipulation of light is not merely representational; it serves to evoke an emotional response, turning the familiar cityscape into a dreamscape. Ziem’s formal choices, particularly his use of tenebrism, engage with broader artistic concerns about perception and the emotional power of the natural world. This aligns with philosophical dialogues on the sublime, where art seeks to convey experiences that transcend rational understanding.