Capture the Secrets of Venice's Art on School Trips

The beauty and uniqueness of Venice has been captured on canvas by some of the world's most renowned artists. From the Renaissance artists to JMW Turner and on to the present day, the city has attracted interest from many. Students on school trips to the city will have a wealth of art to discover.

The Renaissance

The Venetian School dates from 1450 until 1600, and during this time Venice was a powerful republic with a stable economy and strong trading economy. It survived outbreaks of the Black Death and the fall of its main trading partner Constantinople. This all meant that it had the wealth to support an art movement, and the Venetian School was born.

For students walking around Venice during school trips, art abounds, and it just falls to you to see it. It was all about appearances, and the beautiful palaces throughout the city result from the importance of the first impression being as impressive as possible.

Anyone who has visited Venice will have noticed the quality of the light, and the artists of Venice started to look at the relationship between light and colour. The pioneers of the Venetian School came from the Murano glassworker families of Bellini and Vivarini; however, the first big name in Venetian painting was Giorgione, whose important works include The Tempest and Sleeping Venus, which was completed by Titian after the premature death of Giorgione. Titian was inspired by Giorgione and, along with Tintoretto and many artists from other parts of the world, travelled to Venice to continue his legacy. These artists included Albrecht Durer and El Greco.

Titian and Tintoretto are two of the artists whose work is exhibited at the Doges Palace on St Marks Square, at site that should be on the itinerary of any school trips to Venice. The Doges Palace is a collection of small museums housed around a courtyard. Once the home to the Doge and the site of Venice's main prison, the building is an art work in itself with its frescoes, friezes and gilded ceilings. The Doges' apartments contain the work of some of Venice's most esteemed Renaissance artists.

18th Century Art

The 18th century was the beginning of the popularity of landscape painting. Constable, Gainsborough and Turner grasped the opportunity to produce great works of art in this genre, and although Constable and Thomas Gainsborough largely kept their subject matter close to home, JMW Turner looked further afield for grand landscapes to interpret.

Turner and Canaletto most famously captured the 18th century landscape of Venice and their works are largely the reason why, when visiting Venice for the first time on school trips, it may look somehow familiar to students. Canaletto, translated as 'little canal', was born in Venice and his wonderful paintings of the canals and buildings of the city were often sold to Englishmen on their Grand Tour. He later travelled to England and amongst his British landscapes is his depiction of Westminster Bridge. Turner's journey to Venice started in Covent Garden in London, but as a young man he travelled extensively in Europe including many visits to Venice. His ability to capture the unique light of the city is legendary.

It is easy to see, when you witness the views of Venice first-hand, why many artists have been inspired to paint them. The results of their labour will ensure Venice remains alive in your memory long after you leave her to return home.