Sargent is positioned himself just east of the Piazzetta  at San Marco looking west. The domed building across the canal is the Santa Maria della Salute. The Libreria  is straight ahead beyond the steps and bridge; and the front facade of the Palazzo Ducale is on the far right. 

Further west along the Riva degli Schiavoni he paints in oil.

Venice par temps gris
1880 or 1882
Private collection
Oil on canvas
50.8 x 69.9 cm (20 x 27 1/2 in.)

Notes:
   
Exhibitions

Gondola Days: Isabella Stewart Gardner and the Palazzo Barbaro Circle, 2004

• Venetian Studies
• See Overview of Venice
• See the year in review  1880

This painting is referred in the book "John Singer Sargent" by Carter Ratcliff published by Artabras, page 29, as "Cafe on the Riva degli Schiavone, Venice", watercolor and pencil on
paper, 9.5x13.5 inches. The Ormond Family