Robert Blum was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. His work included pastels, watercolors, pen and ink, etchings, and oil paintings. His first visit to Venice was in 1880. Venetian architecture and the effects of light on the Grand Canal continued to captivate him in the years following.

Ca’ D’ Oro, Venice, 1881-1883 exemplifies Blum’s captivation with Venice. The golden light of the Venetian sun shining on the elegant Gothic-style palace on the Grand Canal contrasts with the black voids in the ogee arches and the dark green water below. Blum’s impressionistic style allows the viewer to sense the emotion and character of this ancient Italian city built on the water.