Allegorical Figures of Religion and Venice Flanking an Empty Cartouche 1709 - 1787

Francesco Zugno created this pen and brown ink drawing, titled Allegorical Figures of Religion and Venice Flanking an Empty Cartouche, sometime in the 18th century. The sketch depicts allegorical figures, Religion and Venice, placed on either side of an empty cartouche. Religion is holding a cross, and Venice is wearing a ducal cap. In this period, Venice was famous throughout Europe as a centre for art and culture. However, it was also known for its rigid social hierarchy and conservative political system. Drawings like this one often served as preliminary sketches for larger paintings or frescoes. The empty cartouche in the center suggests that the drawing was intended as a template for a more elaborate work, perhaps one commissioned by a religious institution or the Venetian government. To fully appreciate Zugno's work, we need to understand the complex social and political landscape of 18th-century Venice. Art historians consult period documents, such as letters, diaries, and official records, to reconstruct the world in which art was made.