Karlevaris Luca (1663 Udine – 1730 Venice) – Departure of Bucentaur from the Basin of San Marco (135x259 cm) 1710 J. Paul Getty Museum

The canvas presents a bustling scene unfolding within a large basin, dominated by monumental architecture and maritime activity. Here we see a vast expanse of water filled with numerous vessels – gondolas, smaller boats laden with figures, and a particularly grand ship positioned centrally, seemingly preparing for departure. The composition is structured around the Basilica di San Marco, its campanile rising prominently in the background, anchoring the scene within a specific geographical context.
The artist has employed a muted palette of browns, greys, and ochres, punctuated by splashes of red from flags and decorative elements adorning the buildings and boats. The light source appears to be diffused, creating soft shadows and highlighting the textures of the water and stone. A sense of atmospheric perspective is achieved through subtle gradations in color and detail; distant structures are rendered less distinctly than those closer to the viewer.
The sheer density of figures populating the scene contributes to a feeling of dynamic energy. Individuals appear engaged in various activities – some wave, others converse, while still others seem to be overseeing the preparations for the ship’s departure. The details within the boats – the elaborate costumes and expressions on the faces of those present – suggest an event of considerable importance, possibly ceremonial or celebratory.
Beyond a straightforward depiction of maritime activity, the painting seems to convey themes of power, prosperity, and civic pride. The grandeur of the architecture, the opulence of the vessels, and the apparent enthusiasm of the assembled crowd all point towards a society confident in its position and influence. The departure of the large ship could be interpreted as symbolic of Venice’s maritime dominance and its ongoing engagement with trade and diplomacy beyond its lagoon.
The artists meticulous rendering of detail – from the rigging of the ships to the intricate carvings on the buildings – suggests a desire not only to document a specific event but also to celebrate the visual richness and cultural heritage of this urban environment. The painting, therefore, functions as both a historical record and an idealized portrait of Venetian society in the early 18th century.