Venice: City of Pictures (Martin Gayford)

As one might expect from such an eminent art historian Martin Gayford’s latest work on Venetian art and architecture is a thorough, well-researched study with beautiful images.

He covers the ‘Big Four’ of Venetian art – Titian, Tintoretto (the only artist born in and of Venice) Veronese and Canaletto.

After Venice went into decline once Napoleon had conquered Italy in 1797 it still produced painters of renown like Tiepolo and the artists of the Veduta School (view) paintings beloved by aristos on the Grand Tour.

Consul Joseph Smith was a wily intermediary between the posh tourist and the aspiring artist, only too willing and able to meet that demand.

Venice is a curious city not just because it floats on water.

Unlike Florence, which has a burgeoning shoe and leather industry, and Milan – the commercial capital – Venice had to rely more on tourism.

Gayford emphasises, however, how cinema and the biennale – as well as more contemporary collectors like Peggy Guggenheim – enhanced the city culturally.

Curiously, whilst he refers to Top Hat  and Death in Venice he does not mention the Gothic horror of Don’t Look Now. 

He is also strong on Venetian architecture especially Palladio.

All in all,  a wonderful companion to anyone interested in “la Senerissima” and/or intending to visit.