After studying architecture in Dijon, Ziem worked as a surveyor on the construction of the Marseille canal, before his watercolours attracted the patronage of Ferdinand-Philippe, Duc d'Orléans. In 1842, he visited Italy for the first time and fell in love with Venice. Ziem travelled to Venice numerous times between 1842 and 1897, sometimes painting from a floating studio on a gondola. His views of Venice are known to be his most compelling and sought-after compositions.

The Association Félix Ziem, represented by Mathias Ary Jan, David Pluskwa and Gérard Fabre has confirmed the authenticity of this work. The certificate will be delivered with the painting.