This 19th-century watercolour by British artist Joseph Josiah Dodd (1809-1880) depicts Milan Cathedral in Italy.
Rising like a Gothic behemoth, the majestic facade of Milan Cathedral. From our view on the Piazza del Duomo, quaint shop fronts are overshadowed by its awe-inspiring splendour. Taking six centuries to build, it’s one of Italy’s most recognisable icons. And captured exquisitely by a virtuoso of architecture.
Dodd’s architectural renderings are a mathematical joy. Each underpinned by his topographical wizardry. He was the British ‘Canaletto’ and a master of perspective. Unlike many topographers, Dodd often worked on a large scale. Challenging his abilities with a vast composition. This particular piece is so large, it’s hard to ignore and pulls us into the city itself. You can almost hear the chatter of merchants as they barter with passing tourists.
Beneath the paint, there’s a partial underdrawing, which sets out the angles with precise calculations. Sometimes this is referred to as an etched line but here we believe it’s pencil.
Dodd captured various iconic buildings including the Ponte di Santa Trinita, Florence, London Bridge, and Rouen Cathedral. With his depiction of The Grand Canal, Bridge of the Rialto, Venice, appearing at Sotheby’s in 1997. This is one of his finest.
Signed/dated lower right and held within its original gilt frame. Glazed.
Medium: Watercolour on paper
Overall size: 49” x 36” / 129cm x 92cm
Year of creation: c. 1878
Condition: Areas of age-related discolouration. The mount is a little more yellowed than highlighted by the camera. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £2,000
Our reference: BRV1378
Joseph Josiah Dodd exhibited at the Royal Academy, the Royal Society of British Artists and in Paris. His works are held in numerous public collections including at the Royal Collection, British Museum, and Government Art Collection. Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery holds numerous works.
Learn more about Joseph Josiah Dodd in our directory.
We care profoundly about our role as custodians and every piece in the collection has been assessed by our conservator. When required, we undertake professional restoration carefully using reversible techniques and adopt a light touch to retain the aged charm of each work. We also often restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.
