Painted during one of Pilot’s European travels, Summer in Venice captures the luminous charm of a Venetian canal scene. In the foreground, a small stone bridge arches over still water, beneath which a gondola floats. Along the canal, rows of warm-toned buildings in ochre, terra cotta, and cream line the water’s edge, their reflections shimmering below. Pilot’s loose brushwork and atmospheric palette evoke a late-morning or early-afternoon light, with soft blues and pale golds bathing the scene. The sky is bright, and the architecture blends harmoniously with Venice’s waterways.

Pilot’s artistic training under William Brymner and at the Académie Julian, along with his repeated travels through Europe and Canada, influenced his ability to distill a locale’s essence into vibrant light and colour.

Venice, located in northeastern Italy, is renowned for its intricate network of canals, historic architecture, and artistic heritage. Built across more than 100 small islands in the Venetian Lagoon, the city has no roads, only waterways navigated by boats and gondolas. By the 20th century, when Pilot painted Summer in Venice (1957), Venice had long been a beloved destination for artists, writers, and travelers, celebrated for its romantic atmosphere, warm Mediterranean light, and richly layered views. Its luminous setting and reflective surfaces made it especially compelling for painters working in an impressionist style. Ideal for collectors of European travel art and lovers of cityscape paintings, Summer in Venice beautifully captures the serene ambiance of one of Italy’s most iconic cities.

This painting measures 18 x 24 inches and is signed and dated on the reverse.