Wilfrid’s first known visit to Venice took place independently of Sargent, in 1897. He is thought to have met up with Sargent there the following year and certainly a number of Venetian views featured in his 1899 show at the Goupil Gallery in London. The experience of studying the work of the Venetian Masters in situ—copies after works by Tintoretto were included in the 1899 show—as well as the unique effects of light on water afforded by the floating city, did much to loosen Wilfrid’s brushwork and to brighten his palette. His early Venetian views are among some of his most vivid and carefree. It was therefore with great pleasure that he introduced his new bride, Jane Emmet de Glehn, to Venice as a part of their extended honeymoon trip in 1904. They met up with friends who were already there, including Sargent, who whisked them away to meet his cousins, the Curtises, at whose magnificent palazzo on the Grand Canal he always stayed.

This website and its contents are owned and operated by David Messum Fine Art Limited. All elements of the website and all rights therein, including but not limited to the content and general design, are protected by copyright laws. Some content displayed may also be subject to third party rights. Messums have made all reasonable efforts to ensure that works of art on this website are reproduced with the permission of the copyright holders. However, the copyright status of some works remains unclear and we would welcome any information regarding the identity of the relevant copyright holders.Copyright © 2007 David Messum Fine Art Limited. All rights reserved.