Venice and moonlight are a great combination.

Piazetta San Marco in Moonlight was painted by the German artist Friedrich Paul Nerly (1842-1919).

The column we see is one of the two monumental columns on the Piazetta San Marco (the square that is connected to the larger Piazza San Marco. On top of the column is a winged lion – the Lion of Venice – which is the symbol St. Mark (erected around 1268). In the past, there were rules that in the small area in between both columns two specific things would/could take place. First, it was the place where public executions took place, and second, in between the two columns people were allowed to gamble.

This artist is not to be confused with his father Friedrich von Nerly (1807-1848) who painted somewhat comparable Romantic scenes of Venice. Friedrich Paul traveled extensively across Europe and Italy, and painted beautiful landscapes and seascapes wherever he went, though he is best known for his seascapes today. He often chose a low vantage point, like he did in this painting, to emphasize the grandeur of the landscape and buildings that he included.

 Venice and moonlight are a great combination. Piazetta San

How would you describe the atmosphere in this painting?

The Feast of the Redeemer in Venice (c. 1914) was painted by the Italian artist Ferruccio Scattola (1873-1950)

This feast, also known as The Festa del Redentore, is still celebrated in Venice today on the third Sunday of July (which is today). It commemorates the end of the plague that struck the city between 1575 and 1577. Fireworks play an important role during this feast, and we can see those in this painting.

Scattola used loose brush strokes to convey the magic of this Venetian feast, showing its blue waters, bridges, and lights. It is a wonderful impression of a warm, festive summer night in the floating city.

 How would you describe the atmosphere in this painting? The

Which works from the Uffizi Museum do you recognize?

The Tribuna of the Uffizi (1772-1778) was painted by German Neoclassical artist Johan Zoffany (1733-1810).

This kind of work was popular among the richer European people who took part in a Grand Tour. This was a cultural event for young upper-class men to round their education. These young men traveled with a tutor, typically through German and France, and finished their tour in Italy (and specifically Rome). And this kind of painting was a perfect souvenir for these wealthy young men to bring home.

Zoffany included a wide variety of paintings and sculptures, representing different art styles, which made this painting a perfect conversation piece for the educated upper class.

I recognize some works by Raphael, Titian, Correggio, Guercino, and Holbein, as well as the famous Venus de’ Medici and the statue of Cupid and Psyche. Which works do you recognize?

 Which works from the Uffizi Museum do you recognize? The

Which of the three moonlight scenes I posted today do you like most?

Moonlight in Naples (1842) was painted by the Russian-Armenian artist Ivan Aivazovsky (1817-1900).

This moonlit scene is painted by the best-known of the three artists today. Aivazovsky was a true specialist in capturing the sea. He created thousands of seascape paintings, and often didn’t even need to study the sea in detail anymore to create accurate water surfaces and the reflection of light on it.

Aivazovsky traveled frequently across Russia, Europe, and the Middle East to capture the most beautiful seascapes and landscapes. But the Bay of Naples had a special place in his heart, due to the spectacular landscape around it, including Mount Vesuvius.

When posting paintings on this account over time, I noticed that many of you enjoy the moonlit scenes a lot. So, I wanted to create a little comparison of some moonlight paintings by posting three different works by three different artists today. I am curious to hear which one, if any, is your favorite.

 Which of the three moonlight scenes I posted today do you

Venice is one of the most inspiring places for painters.

Venice by Moonlight (1869) was painted by the Norwegian Sophus Jacobsen.

And while he wasn't familiar with Impressionism when he painted this, I'm sure the Impressionists would have appreciated it. Jacobsen was primarily active in Dusseldorf, Germany where he studied with Hans Gude. But he did travel through Europe for inspiration. And the light, landscape, and architecture certainly inspired, as it did to many artists over time.

And while in France, the beginnings of Impressionism were developed in the 1860s, Jacobsen was not familiar with this grassroots movement yet. But if you compare this work to some of the views of Venice painted by Claude Monet 40 years later, you can already see some of the Impressionist touches and ideas in this work.

 Venice is one of the most inspiring places for painters

Paintings become not much more dreamlike than those by Claude Lorrain. Seaport at Sunset (1639) shows an idyllic scene in the port, surrounded by classical architecture and a mesmerizing sunset.

This painting is on display in the Louvre, but comparable seascapes and landscapes can be found in other museums around the world.

 Paintings become not much more dreamlike than those by

Édouard Manet was a mentor and inspiration to the most famous Impressionists.

And while he did not see himself as a typical Impressionist, some of his works are heavily inspired by their style.

Blue Venice is a great Impressionist work by Manet.

 Édouard Manet was a mentor and inspiration to the most

At Noon on a Cactus Plantation in Capri (1885) was painted by the Danish artist Peder Mørk Mønsted (1859–1941).

It shows a scene from daily life on the island of Capri, which is in front of the coast of Naples. It shows a mother at work, talking to her children, and we can see a black pig on the ground enjoying the warm temperatures.

As a landscape painter, the Danish Mønsted like to travel regularly abroad to observe and paint unique landscapes. He definitely found a nice spot here on Capri, where he visited in 1882. The large blooming cactuses growing in between the rocks provide a unique view compared to many other landscape paintings.

Cactuses can grow in places where most other plants and trees cannot survive, and they require little attention while growing. At the same time, their commercial use is somewhat limited, but some cactuses produce fruits, are used for food for livestock, and contain elements useful for the production of dyes, medicine, etc.

 Do you see the cute black pig? At Noon on a Cactus

If you have ever visited Florence, Italy, you will probably recognize this view.

View of Florence (1837) is a Romantic painting by Thomas Cole (1801-1848), an British-American painter known for his stunning works combining landscapes with history.

In 1831, Cole visited Italy and made an elaborate sketch of this view from the San Miniato al Monte Church, a basilica standing on one of the highest points of the city of Florence. Six years later he converted this sketch into a large oil painting.

And if you will go there today, the most iconic building you see from there are still the same as two centuries ago. You can see the Ponte Vecchio (the bridge with buildings on it) crossing the Arno River, the enormous Duomo with its bell tower on the right site, and the Palazzo Vecchio tower in the center.

And if you have plans to visit Italy and Florence in the future, my personal recommendation is to visit Florence and climb the hill across the river to get this view (it's best at sunrise or sunset).

 If you have ever visited Florence, Italy, you will probably

Twilight, Venice is a spectacularly colorful impression on the San Giorgio Maggiore church.

It is part of a series of paintings in which Monet depicted "The Floating City" under different atmospheric conditions.

 Twilight, Venice is a spectacularly colorful impression on

Like many great artists, Renoir visited Venice for inspiration. During his visit in October 1881, he made a series of quick Impressionist paintings, among this view of The Piazza San Marco.

 Like many great artists, Renoir visited Venice for

Contemplation (1893) shows a Venetian woman in thought. It was painted by Eugene de Blaas who loved to paint the beautiful women of Venice.

His women are always a bit mysterious, engaging the viewer.

 What is she thinking about? Contemplation (1893) shows a

J. M. W. Turner (1775-1851) is one of many great artists who has painted Venice.

And while he visited the city three times, he did not mind to add some imaginary elements to his views, like in The Dogana and San Giorgio Maggiore.

 J. M. W. Turner (1775-1851) is one of many great artists

The Palazzo Labia, Venice is another watercolor painting by the Peruvian artist Federico del Campo (1837-1923).

Del Campo was mainly active in Venice during this career, and he was one of the leading veduta painters there. was a Peruvian painter who was active in Venice where he was one of the leading vedute (detailed vistas) painters of the 19th century.

The Palazzo Labia is a Baroque-style palace in Venice built in the late-17th century, and it is one of the last great palazzi of Venice. And inside you can find a wonderful ballroom with frescoes painted by the Venetian Rococo artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo.

From a distance, the painting looks very realistic, though from up-close you can see the different patches of paint. It contains most of the iconic elements of Venice, a large palazzo, the canal, a gondola, and one of those typical little bridges.

 Another beautiful view of Venice. The Palazzo Labia, Venice

The Grand Canal at Moonlight shows the magic of Venice before the abundance of artificial gaslights.

It was painted by Friedrich Paul Nerly (1842-1919) who loved to painted city- and seascapes.

 The Grand Canal at Moonlight shows the magic of Venice

Apparently, it was fashionable in the 19th century to put the napkin on your head...

In a Roman Osteria (1866) by Carl Bloch is a strikingly realistic scene of an Italian lunch with friends.

The people in the foreground where local Italian fashion. Just kidding about the napkin.

And in the background, Bloch depicted a group of three people, including the commissioner and a self-portrait (the man with the back towards us).

And did you notice the cat in the foreground?

 Apparently, it was fashionable in the 19th century to put

When looking at Michelangelo's Doni Tondo in the Uffizi, it always seems as if Mary is flexing her muscles.

Many Italian museums have reopened again and you can enjoy our free audio tours in the Amuze app in the museum or from home. Just click the link in my profile to learn more about the app or download it.

In Italy, you can choose from the Palazzo Vecchio, St. Peter's Basilica, Uffizi, and Vatican Museums.

 When looking at Michelangelo's Doni Tondo in the Uffizi, it

Landscape with Apollo Guarding the Herds of Admetus and Mercury Stealing Them (1645) is a typical dreamy landscape by Claude Lorrain (1600-1682).

Lorrain kept a book with sketches of all his works, such that nobody could counterfeit his work after his death.

 Landscape with Apollo Guarding the Herds of Admetus and

The Ravello Coastline (1926) was painted by the Danish artist Peder Mønsted (1859-1941).

It shows the spectacular view from the Italian town of Ravello, located about 50 km (30 miles) south of Naples. It is a resort town, set 365 meters above the Tyrrhenian Sea, and is famous for its cliffside gardens.

And whereas Mønsted is best known for his hyper-realistic paintings of nature, which are so detailed that they are hard to separate from photographs, this painting shows some looser brushwork, and we can notice some of his strokes on the hills and the water.

 Not a bad view… The Ravello Coastline (1926) was painted by

Temple of the Sibyl at Tivoli (1884) is a work by the Danish Realist artist Peder Mørk Mønsted (1859-1941).

Mønsted captured his landscape scenes with incredible detail. By capturing the natural elements and the effects of the sunlight very accurately, his works are sometimes hard to separate from modern photos.

This scene is from Tivoli, a historical town in the countryside just east of Rome. It has been a source of inspiration for so many landscape paintings over time. Claude Lorrain (1600-1682), for example, already painted his idyllic and dreamy views here.

Mønsted painted one of beautiful temples from the 2nd-century BC that has survived in Tivoli. The Temple of the Sybil is located on the highest point of the hill where Tivoli is built and you can still visit it today.

 Painting or photo? Temple of the Sibyl at Tivoli (1884) is

Looking at this wonderful view of the Milan Cathedral in 1814, I would expect an enormous painting. Instead, it's a miniature of only 13.5 x 17.5 cm (5.4 x 6.9 in).

It was painted by Giovanni Migliara (1785-1837).

In the foreground, you can see some riots taking place, supposedly after the abdication of Napoleon on April 20, 1814.

 Looking at this wonderful view of the Milan Cathedral in

I'd love to make a gondola ride to see this sunset in Venice! This is one Claude Monet's versions of San Giorgio Maggiore by Twilight.

 I'd love to make a gondola ride to see this sunset in

The Kiss is a very passionate painting by Francesco Hayez. This painting became the symbol for the 19th-century unification of Italy.

As an Italian with French roots, Hayez succeeds in portraying love and passion in a compelling and powerful way.

 The Kiss is a very passionate painting by Francesco Hayez

I just released a video discussing Anna Passini on the Balcony of the Palazzo Priuli in Venice (1866), a watercolor painting by Ludwig Passini. You can find the link in my bio.

Ludwig Passini captured his wife on the balcony in this Venetian hotel. And you can still stay in the same 14th-century Palazzo Priuli hotel today. Even in the same room, and sit on that same balcony.

In the video, I show you that the place still looks the same as 150 years ago. And we dive into the story of the Passini's, the wonderful architecture, and a tragic end.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this painting. And if you decide to watch the video, I would really appreciate it if you leave a comment below the video! Thanks!

 A room with a view! I just released a video discussing Anna

What is going on here in Sharing the News (1904)?

The genre paintings of Eugene de Blaas' (1843-1931) are little mysteries. His beautiful scenes provide some clues on what is going on, but not all of them.

I see a busy laundress being entertained by her friend, by am not sure what the news is..

 What is going on here in Sharing the News (1904)? The genre

The Secret Accusation (1847-1848) by Francesco Hayez is part of a triptych about the revenge of a woman on her cheating husband.

The woman is about to post a letter to file charges to her lover.

 The Secret Accusation (1847-1848) by Francesco Hayez is

Tischbein (1751-1829) painted Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) as an otherworldly person with very long legs.

The two of them became good friends when traveling through Italy, but their friendship broke when Goethe got the opinion that Tischbein was not dedicated enough as an artist. As a result, Goethe never saw this painting himself.

 Tischbein (1751-1829) painted Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

During his first six-month tour of Italy, J.M.W. Turner filled 23 sketchbooks with impressions from Rome. Among them were several ones of the Colosseum. This trip would have a major impact on Turner.

 During his first six-month tour of Italy, J.M.W. Turner

Moonlight in Naples (1842) is a mesmerizing painting by the Russian-Armenian artist Ivan Aivazovsky.

He painted it when he was only 25-years old and was living in Italy, where he got inspired by the rich Italian art history.

 Moonlight in Naples (1842) is a mesmerizing painting by the

Flirtation (1894) by Eugene de Blaas shows a barefooted man trying to convince one of the woman picking up drinking water with some compliments and a flower behind his back.

 Will it work? Flirtation (1894) by Eugene de Blaas shows a

The Fire of Rome (1785) by Hubert Robert shows the disaster that struck one of the most impressive cities ever, on the 18th of July of 64 AD.

He captures both the magnificent architecture, fleeing women, and the lights of the fire.

 The Fire of Rome (1785) by Hubert Robert shows the disaster

The Grand Canal in Venice of today looks more like the Venice of that Monet witnessed during this visit to the city in 1908.

Monet painted it in all sorts of atmospheric conditions and times of the day.