William Logsdail Landscape Paintings

This gorgeous British 19th century Fine Art Society exhibited oil painting of Venice is by noted artist William Logsdail. It was painted circa 1885 when Logsdail visited Venice in 1880 and stayed 20 years, clearly entranced with the place. In those early years he particularly focused on painting architecture and what better architecture than the Compo or square de L'Abazia. The pinks of the buildings under a bright blue sky, then reflected in the water is just stunning. Logsdail has perfectly captured the architecture, colouring and even the heat of the day. This quiet little square is off the beaten track in the district of Cannaregio. In 936 the Confraternity of Miseriocorida founded the church on one side and the Scuola or School on the other side. Canals run down either side of these two buildings. The vantage point for our painting is across the water from the square, facing the school. An excellent example of Logdail's work and a rather special Victorian Venetian oil painting. Signed lower left. Provenance. Fine Art Society label verso. Condition. Oil on canvas, 24 inches by 15 inches unframed and in good condition. Frame. Housed a gilt frame, 32 inches by 23 inches framed and in good condition. William Logsdail (1859-1944) was a prolific English landscape, portrait, and genre painter. He exhibited at the Royal Academy, the Royal Society of British Artists, the Grosvenor Gallery, the New Gallery (London), and others. He is notable for his realistic London and Venice scenes and his plein air style. He was born in the Close of Lincoln Cathedral, in Lincoln, England, May 1859. He was one of seven children, six boys and one girl. His father was a verger at the cathedral. As a boy, William attended Lincoln School (now Lincoln Christ's Hospital School), and also earned money by guiding visitors up the central tower of the cathedral. Logsdail attended the Lincoln School of Art, where he initially showed an aptitude for architecture, but with the encouragement of his art master, Edward R. Taylor, (who was also Head of the School) he took to painting. While there, he won the Gold Medal for his work in competition with students at other English art schools...