Vignal, Pierre (1855–1925); William Robert Powell, introduction

Water Color Renderings of Venice [13 of 15 Color Plates — Second Edition]

Cleveland, Ohio: J. H. Jansen, Publisher, 1925.

VENICE IN THIRTEEN LARGE-FORMAT WATERCOLOR PLATES.
A portfolio of Pierre Vignal's atmospheric views of Venice, reproducing his watercolors of canals, bridges, churches, streets and public spaces. From the Rialto and Piazza San Marco to quieter rios and doorways, the suite combines recognizable Venetian landmarks with more intimate architectural views.

Thirteen of the original fifteen loose color plates are present, retaining the portfolio format in which the individual images were intended to be viewed separately.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: THIRTEEN LOOSE COLOR PLATES PRINTED IN FRANCE.
+++ Publisher's portfolio measuring approximately 9.75 × 13.25 inches, with paper-covered boards, burgundy cloth spine, printed front cover with winged lion device, and cloth ties.
+++ Title leaf and accompanying introductory material include a printed list of plates and “Pierre Vignal and His Technique,” by his former pupil William Robert Powell, illustrated with a photographic portrait of the artist.
+++ Thirteen loose color plates, approximately 9 × 12.75 inches, printed in France on lightly textured art paper, with identifying captions on the versos. The publication states “Second Edition, December, 1925.”
+++ This incomplete complete suite comprises thirteen views of fifteen: Ponte del Paradiso; A Rio; Colleone; The Rialto; The Piazetta; Piazza San Marco;  Entrance to the Palace; A Street; San Marco, A Doorway; Entrance to the Ducal Palace; Canal of the Church of the Madonna de Miracoli; San Rocco;  and Riva Degli Schiavoni. 
+++ Lacking: No 7 The Clock Tower; and No 14 San Giorgio from the Giudecca.

CONDITION: VERY GOOD PLATES IN A WORN ORIGINAL PORTFOLIO.
+++ Portfolio Good, with overall age-toning, rubbing and surface soiling to the paper-covered boards. Corners and edges show wear, with small areas of paper loss, particularly at the upper right corner of the front board. Burgundy cloth spine shows rubbing and scattered discoloration but remains intact. Original cloth ties survive.
+++ Preliminary leaves show light age-toning and occasional spotting or handling marks.
+++ The thirteen color plates are generally Very Good, remaining clean and attractive with strong color and occasional minor edge or corner wear.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: PIERRE VIGNAL'S VENICE — LIGHT, COLOR AND ARCHITECTURE.
Pierre Vignal was a French watercolorist whose work concentrated particularly on architecture, historic cities and the effects of Mediterranean light. Venice was especially suited to his transparent watercolor technique, allowing architecture, water, shadow and reflected color to become equal elements of the composition.

Powell's accompanying essay is unusually useful in explaining Vignal's working method: drawing first in light pencil, using transparent rather than opaque watercolor, and frequently mixing color directly on the paper. He also notes that the portfolio reproductions were made nearly the same size as Vignal's original watercolors.

SUBJECTS: Pierre Vignal, Venice, Venetian Architecture, Venetian Canals, Italian Travel, Watercolor Painting, Piazza San Marco, Rialto Bridge, Ducal Palace, San Rocco, Venetian Churches, French Art, Architectural Views, Italy, Art Portfolio, Watercolor Reproductions, Travel Art, Venetian Views.

Item #22507

Price: $75.00