Terrick John Williams
British, b.1860, d.1936
Twilight, Venice
- Oil on canvas
- Robert Bell bequest, 1943
- 580 x 733mm
- 69/388
Location: W A Sutton Gallery
Tags: arches, bridges (built works), buildings (structures), canals (waterways), children (people by age group), people (agents), steps (stair units), street lighting, trees, urban landscapes, windows
Against the fading mauve of dusk, Terrick Williams invigorates the scene with just a few strokes of glowing yellow. A gas lamp, its wavering reflection in the water and the warmly lit windows above draw the eye into the quiet drama of a Venetian evening. Williams returned to Venice repeatedly over more than three decades, captivated by the city’s distinctive light and elusive character. Although based on the view east along the Zattere waterfront from Ponte Longo towards the Gesuati church, the painting reinterprets rather than dutifully records what he sees. Simplifying the architecture, Williams used colour, light and movement to compose his own strongly felt response.
(Timeless: Treasures from the Historical Collection 19 September 2026 – 30 May 2027)
Exhibition History
Endless Light, 29 June 2019 – 8 March 2020
Light, luminance and atmosphere were deep interests of Terrick John Williams, who travelled through St Tropez, Paris, Brittany, St Ives and Venice several times to paint. With Twilight, Venice Williams handles the transition from dusk into nightfall with the extensive use of viridian green and lavender. A glowing street light is reflected in the water, providing visual balance and a sense of direction for the woman and child, possibly heading swiftly home before the light fades completely.