Laguna van Venetië 1737 - 1766

Dionigi Valesio created this print of the Venetian lagoon sometime in the late 18th century. It invites us to consider the role of art in preserving and promoting the image of Venice as a center of trade and culture. Valesio's print, with its detailed rendering of ships, gondolas, and architecture, reflects the economic and social life of Venice at the time. The serene depiction masks the underlying realities of social stratification and political maneuvering within the Venetian Republic. Institutions like the Venetian Senate were crucial in maintaining the status quo, influencing artistic production through patronage. The inscription at the bottom of the print indicates that it was dedicated to a senator, suggesting a clear link between art and political power. Understanding the work necessitates exploring the social and institutional contexts in which it was created and consumed. This could involve examining archival documents, trade records, and the biographies of prominent figures, to better understand the complex relationship between art, power, and society in 18th-century Venice.