William James (Fl. 1754-1771 · British), Venice. photo courtesy M.S.Rau Antiques

Oil on canvas. Canvas: 29" high x 44" wide. Frame: 36 1/2" high x 50" wide. Price: $198,500

A stunning Venetian scene attributed to 18th-century topographical artist William James. His brightly colored canvases of Venice are his most famous, earning him a reputation as the leading Venetian subject artist of his day.

Little is known about James' life, but it is nearly certain that he actually never left England, relying on the images of other artists to create his own, unique interpretations. His works gained him a great deal of attention, exhibiting at the Society of Artists of Great Britain from 1761 to 1768, and at the Royal Academy from 1769-1771. He was invited to become a member of the Society of Artists in 1766.

Artist's Museums: Royal Collection at Hampton Court, London
Victoria & Albert Museum, London

M.S. RAU ANTIQUES. www.rauantiques.com