A perspective of Piazza Loggia with its Venetian style
The Arcade and the Clock Tower in Brescia during the #italiagrandsketchingtour.
The historical center of Brescia is characterized by the presence of three main squares, one beside the other. We have already see the Piazza della Vittoria and it is now time to visit Piazza Loggia. The name comes from the Loggiato, the arcade, that occupy most of the perimeter of the square.
In particular the east side of the square is enclosed by a building with an ionic portico, surmounted by two storeys with architraved windows and enlivened by a typically Venetian use of two colors. A building that immediately caught my attention and that I felt I wanted to draw. In particular the Clock Tower is a perfect central subject.
The building is constructed where the defensive wall of the Visconti “Cittadella Nuova” (1363) once stood and it was built in 1595. The Clock Tower is 50 years more recent and it was incorporated in a very smart way, as you can see from the drawing. The mechanical clock was made by Paolo Gennari of Rezzato, whose dial showing the phases of the moon and the signs of the zodiac and it has been decorated by various hands. I find clocks so fascinating. Two human figures, popularly called “i macc de le ure” or “Tone and Batista” used to strike the hours on the bell, but are now silent.
The statue is representing the Beautiful Italy, and it is a memorial to the fallen during the 10 days of Brescia, a revolt movement of the citizens of Brescia against the Austrian oppression in 1849 that lead to the creation of the Italian State.
My first followers in real life
While in the square I have chosen to paint a corner in the shadow, sitting on a vase of plants that allowed me to draw in a sort of comfortable position. Most of the time when you sketch on location the places with the best view are very uncomfortable. Fortunately this was not one of those times. While I was finishing the painting a couple of Bresciani stopped and started chatting with me. I left them my card and the lady followed me on Instagram and left me a wonderful comment. I was so touched by her saying that my painting showed their beautiful city with love and I was glad that my drawing showed my admiration for this beautiful place. A place that felt like home. Also it was so exciting to have my first follower met on the way.
Title of the painting ‘The Arcade and the Clock Tower in Brescia’
This is a painting from the Italia Grand Sketching Tour Collection, a series of original ink and watercolor paintings done on location during my tour to discovery the marvelous Italian heritage. All paintings are also available as numbered and originally signed prints.
The painting is also featured in the book about my motorbike Italian tour. By acquiring this work you will get to know better Italy also thanks to a personalized story about this place that I will include in the package.
Painting information:
- Watercolor and ink on white paper
- Size 19 x 28.5 cm (7.5 x 11.2 inches)
- Shipped in a box
- Certificate of authenticity will be sent with the painting
