Artists  •  Artworks under the lens

Exploring Willy Ronis’ Venise Fondementa Nueva, 1959

Willy Ronis is a luminary in the photography world—a great chronicler of human experiences and cities. Ronis’ vision for catching the lyrics of everyday life enabled the eternal minute briefs, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Particularly, “Venice Fondamenta Nueva, 1959” represents his skills and vision. Ronis calls upon viewers through this renowned photo to join him on a tour of the soul of Venice place with alluring and lasting charms. Meanwhile, this article shows us the beautiful world of “Venise Fondementa Nueva, 1959”, describing its symbolism, and details, and giving a deep insight into the life of Willy Ronis.

Who was Willy Ronis?

Willy Ronis
Willy Ronis

Willy Ronis, a great French photographer who was born in 1910, in Paris, is known for his humanistic style of photography which mainly consists of snapshots of ordinary people’s lives. His compositions usually included the charm of an ordinary moment, revealing the unyielding nature of humanity over the canvas of post-war France.

FUN FACT: Willy Ronis was part of a group of photographers known as the “Humanist Photographers” or “Paris School.” Alongside renowned photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson and Robert Doisneau, Ronis played a key role in shaping the aesthetic.

His Career

Ronis’ career covered several decades, during which he became the one who was recognized as the author of iconic black and white photographs that eternalized the streets of Paris and its residents. He was one of the founders of the well-known group “Rapho” along with Henri Cartier-Bresson and Robert Doisneau (and others).

What is Happening in Venise Fondementa Nueva, 1959?

Venise Fondementa Nueva, 1959
Venise Fondementa Nueva, 1959
Artist Willy Ronis
Date Created1959
MediumGelatin silver print
GenreDocumentary photography
Period20th century
DimensionsVaries
Series/VersionsN/A
Where is it housed?Private collections

Through Venise Fondamenta Nueva, 1959 by Ronis, we are invited to the fascinating world of Venice, a city rich with history and romance. Simultaneously, it brings us right to the Fondamenta Nuova, one of the busiest Venice waterfront embankments. Here Ronis immortalizes this serene scene – the intricate labyrinth of waterways and architectural works, which are centuries old.

In the foreground, there is a solitary figure facing the Venetian splendor in the background. As the still water of the canal mirrors the calmness of the image, boats rock softly in the background. With Ronis’ camera, we, like observers, see a blink of an eye fixed in time – an everlasting ode to Venice’s eternity and eternal beauty.

What’s So Special about Venise Fondementa Nueva, 1959?

In the picture, Willie Ronis invites us to some remote and tranquil corner of Venice. Across the canal, there’s a street, with old houses on both sides of it. Water is quiet and reflects the sun’s rays in graceful curves. It’s a scene that is both comfortingly familiar and strangely intriguing, begging us to unravel its mysteries.

The merit of this photo is the skill of Ronis in composing it. In the foreground, is a person, standing alone, looking over the water. They are engrossed in their world like they are the muse of the city. In the background, the splendor of Venice can be seen in all its glory with the famous architecture and labyrinthine passageways. The disparity between the lone character and the busy street evokes a deep, emotional feeling that grabs me.

Interesting Facts about “Venise Fondementa Nueva, 1959”

Capturing Serenity: Despite the bustling atmosphere of Venice, Ronis manages to encapsulate a moment of serene tranquility in “Venise Fondementa Nueva, 1959.” The lone figure, set against the backdrop of the city’s timeless architecture, evokes a sense of peace and contemplation.

Play of Light and Shadow: Ronis’ mastery of light and shadow is evident in this photograph. The interplay between sunlight and shade adds depth and dimension to the scene, enhancing its visual impact and drawing the viewer into the captivating world of Venice.

Venetian Grandeur: Through “Venise Fondementa Nueva, 1959,” Ronis pays homage to the grandeur of Venice, immortalizing its iconic landmarks and picturesque waterways. The photograph serves as a timeless ode to the city’s enduring beauty and cultural significance.

Artwork Spotlight: Che Maxe, Joinville-le-Point

Che Maxe, Joinville-le-Point
Che Maxe, Joinville-le-Point

In his artwork “Che Maxe, Joinville-le-Point“, Ronis can capture a particular moment of youthful enthusiasm taking place in the urban area of Joinville-le-Pont. He does this through his lens by highlighting the exhilaration of friendship and liveliness of the youth and he exemplifies the fact that beauty is all around us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Willy Ronis known for?

Throughout his career, Willy Ronis wandered the streets of Paris, photographing people in love, at work, and playing in lyrical black-and-white images. Ronis claimed an interest in “ordinary people with ordinary lives.” His photographs are best known for depicting life in postwar Paris and Provence.

What camera did Willy Ronis use?

At the age of 27, Ronis purchased his first Rolleiflex camera in 1937. He captured the spirit of daily life in Paris by walking the streets of his beloved city and focusing his camera on the working-class areas of Belleville and Ménilmontant.

Conclusion

Through Willy Ronis’ “Venise Fondementa Nueva, 1959”, the artistic endeavors transcend photography by giving the viewers an insight into the spirit of Venice. Spanning over a half-century, this masterpiece still bewitches viewers, underscoring Roni’s matchless skill and the charm of the City of Bridges, which will remain forever.