San Zaccaria Venice Howarth Summary

In this assignment I will be discussing ‘San Zaccaria, Venice’ by Thomas Struth from the views and opinions of notable critics: Sophie Howarth, James Lingwood and Waldemar Januszczak.

In the book, ‘Essays on Remarkable Photographs’, Howarth begins by describing what can be seen in the image; explaining (2005:109) a couple can be seen in front of the altar. The man can be seen with a jacket hanging on his shoulder and the women with a camera bag; resembling the traditional tourist. Howarth then goes on to explain the middle-aged women behind the couple; suggesting (2005:109) the women is gazing at the candles from the left of the altar and that, (the middle-aged women) “seems deep in thought, or perhaps in prayer” (Howarth, 2005:109). Howarth goes onto describe the man seen in the foreground on the left of the image; suggesting (2005:109) the sunlight is casting warm tones on his back but his body language opposes this, it is cold and reserved. Howarth goes on to address the three visitors who can be seen gazing up towards the ceiling, suggesting (2005:109) they are appreciating the architecture and art of San Zaccaria. She then explains the subject in front of the three visitors; “woman accompanies two children, one whom is perched on the back of the pew, rocking two and fro”. (Howarth, 2005:109)

She explains (2005:110) the composition of the image is centralizing Mary and Jesus to show their