This sea of terracotta is given undeniable beauty: a key element of the vista, perfectly harmonised with the shimmering blue of both water and sky.

Streeton's technical skill is shown in orchestrating this attractive palette, carefully dominated by two complementary colours, representing the Canale Grande and an optimistic sky counterpoised with palazzo rooftopsThe work was acquired by Australian businessman Arthur Baillieu (father of arts patron Sunday Reed) in 1914.

It later passed to his sister Amy Shackell and was subsequently privately held by her extended family; its whereabouts unknown to the broader art community.

In 2018, the then head of the Hamilton Gallery, Sarah Schmidt "rediscovered" the painting in the family's private Western District home.

All Streeton's powers are here concentrated as in his Centre of Empire, his mastery of composition and atmospheric truth, the distinction of his colour and touch".