Joan Richter

JOHAN RICHTER (Stockholm, Sweden, 1665 - Venice, Italy, 1745).
"Venice."
Oil on canvas. Relined old.
It has a new stretcher frame.
Measurements: 52 x 72 cm.

Panoramic view of the city of Venice, where one can appreciate one of the sides of the basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore, one of the most emblematic of the place. In the 18th century, the painting of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice becomes a vibrant testimony to the beauty and splendor of this unique city. The work captures the majestic island of San Giorgio, with its imposing church with tall bell tower rising into the horizon, surrounded by the gentle waters of the lagoon. Daylight reflects off the water, creating a spectacle of blue tones that envelop the scene in a sunny atmosphere. The rich, nuanced color palette evokes the serenity of the Venetian landscape, while the floating clouds add a subtle dynamism to the sky.

The architectural details of the church, with its columns and domes, are highlighted in a style that combines baroque elegance with classical simplicity, symbolizing the cultural fusion of the time. These types of paintings not only document a place, but also reflect the history, faith and art of a crucial period. They serve as windows to the past, allowing us to appreciate the beauty of Venice and its influence on European culture. Through these works, the essence of a city that has inspired artists and travelers for centuries is captured, reminding us of the importance of preserving and celebrating our artistic heritage.

It is a painting framed in the tradition of Venetian Vedutism, whose history begins in the 18th century, although it has antecedents that date back to the second half of the 15th century. Proud of its power, the city, then considered queen of the Mediterranean because of its commercial contacts, reinforced its position by means of a true visual propaganda. With the precise and opportunely idealized representation of the scene of so many historical and legendary episodes, a myth was consolidated that was destined to endure over time, even if in the 18th century only shaky foundations remained to support it.

Richter was born in Stockholm. Among his brothers was the medalist Bengt Richter (1670-1735). He painted mainly landscapes or vedute of Venice. Around 1710, he traveled to Venice, where he is mentioned as active from 1717. His work was influenced by the Italian painter Luca Carlevarijs (1663-1730).