While much of the world’s attention is on Venice for Jeff Bezos’s high-profile wedding, not all eyes are on the billionaire’s big day. Some are focused on a different kind of local celebrity—a mural, widely believed to be the work of Banksy, that’s getting a little extra care along one of the city’s canals.
The mural, which appeared overnight in 2019, shows a young child in a life jacket holding up a bright pink flare. It’s painted on the side of a building along the Rio di Ca’ Foscari, one of Venice’s many waterways. Since its sudden arrival, the artwork has drawn plenty of attention from both locals and tourists, becoming a small landmark in its own right.
Recently, scaffolding has gone up around the mural. But don’t worry, it’s not being removed or hidden away. Instead, Venice officials are working to preserve it. The city’s restoration experts plan to gently clean the mural and apply a protective layer to shield it from the city’s famously damp and salty air, which can be tough on outdoor art. The scaffolding is there to help workers safely reach and treat the painting.
The mural’s appearance in Venice was never officially confirmed by Banksy, but the style and subject matter are consistent with his other works, which often highlight social issues—in this case, the plight of migrants crossing dangerous waters.
Venice’s decision to protect the mural is part of a broader effort to care for the city’s cultural heritage, which includes everything from centuries-old paintings to modern street art. For now, the little figure in the life jacket will stay put, keeping watch over the canal as the city works to make sure it lasts for years to come.
So, if you find yourself wandering Venice’s canals, you might just spot this famous piece—now getting a little extra care.
