In The Blue Treasure of Venice, Olga Kataeva-Rochford captures the fragile moment when the Serenissima surrenders to the silence of evening. Painted en plein air, in the heart of the city, this gouache was created at sunset, when the facades darken, the water still shimmers, and the gondolas glide by as if in a dream.

The silhouettes of the gondolas, a deep, velvety blue, stand out intensely against the shifting reflections of the lagoon and the fading sky. This omnipresent color evokes the secret side of Venice: a timeless city where eras overlap and the present seems to fade away.

More than just an urban scene, the artist seeks to reveal the mysterious soul of Venice. The gondolas become symbolic figures, like carnival masks adorned with precious stones, forgotten in a ballroom after the festivities. They embody a discreet treasure, both fragile and eternal—the true treasure of Venice.

Painted in gouache on Saunders Waterford paper, this work is distinguished by the richness of its blues, the softness of its transitions, and the vibrancy of the paint. The blue treasure of Venice will bring a touch of Venetian poetry, depth, and reverie to your home, ideal for lovers of contemporary art, cityscapes, and travel-inspired paintings.