The Riva and San Biagio, Venice dates from some time between late 1879 and the autumn of 1880, while Whistler was in Venice. 1

According to the Pennells, in Venice Whistler painted the view from Mr. Ross Turner's terrace, 'looking down the Riva to San Biagio ... full of little figures, and with boats and a suggestion of the Lagoon, in the background.' 2

Ross Sterling Turner (1847-1915) was an American artist, a skilful watercolourist and illustrator, and friend of Whistler while he was in Venice. He was in Europe from 1876 and associated with the 'Duveneck Boys' in Venice, before settling in Boston in 1882.