St. Mark's Square, Venice, with Loggetta

This lively watercolor unites several famous Venetian landmarks. Centered on the Campanile sitting over Sansovino's Loggetta, the view is framed at left and right by the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Cathedral, and enlivened by strolling clerics and lounging peddlers.
Born in London, Wyld became secretary to the British Consul in Calais around 1826, then decided to pursue art after taking watercolor lessons from Louis François Thomas Francia, and becoming friends with Richard Bonington. By 1831 he was exhibiting watercolors at the Salon, then traveled to Algeria via Italy in 1833 where he likely sketched this subject. Back in Paris, Wyld established a reputation with cityscapes in oil and watercolor and had particular success with his Venetian views. In 1855 he was awarded the Legion of Honor for encouraging the development of watercolor painting in France.