Gondola at Piazzale Roma in Venice by Mario Carraro (1942)

This original pastel drawing on paper, dated 1942, is the work of Italian artist Mario Carraro (1896–1978). The composition captures a quintessential Venetian scene depicting gondolas moored along a curved quay at Piazzale Roma. The artwork utilizes a soft, impressionistic technique with a muted palette of earth tones, pale blues, and greens, characteristic of mid-century Italian landscape studies. The medium appears to be pastel or charcoal with light color washes, showcasing fine line work in the rendering of the gondolas' silhouettes and the water's gentle ripples. The piece is signed by the artist, indicating its authenticity. Physically, the artwork is mounted within a wide white mat and housed in a polished burl wood frame, which adds a layer of mid-century elegance. The paper exhibits a natural aged patina consistent with its mid-20th-century origin. The craftsmanship reflects the skilled hand of Carraro, known for his atmospheric depictions of Venice. The overall condition appears stable, though minor toning of the paper is evident due to age. It serves as a significant example of early 1940s Italian figurative art, specifically documenting the Venetian landscape during a historical period.