Gondolas Before a Palace on the Grand Canal in Venice 

Hercules Brabazon Brabazon captured this watercolour of the Grand Canal in Venice at some point in the late 19th century. It’s a scene that speaks of tourism and wealth. Brabazon was part of a generation of British artists who flocked to Venice, drawn by its unique light, architecture and rich history. Tourism to Venice in the 1800s was booming, thanks to the expansion of the railways. As such Venice went from being a centre of trade to a carefully managed spectacle for wealthy visitors, who wanted to consume its unique cultural heritage. Brabazon’s loose, impressionistic style chimes with the need for a quick memento of a brief visit. But it’s also interesting to note that Brabazon came from a wealthy family and exhibited as an amateur for much of his life. Perhaps we can see his art as a critique of the professionalized art world? These kinds of questions are best answered by consulting historical records, such as exhibition catalogues, visitor books, and personal correspondence. By doing so, we get a better understanding of the social world in which art is created and consumed.