Vignet met de leeuw van Venetië op bol, met ernaast allegorische figuren 1712 - 1786

This is Giovanni Marco Pitteri’s etching of the Lion of Venice atop a globe, flanked by allegorical figures. Notice the composition first: it's structured around a central globe, meticulously etched with concentric circles. Pitteri skillfully uses line and form to create depth, drawing the eye toward the celestial sphere. To each side are allegorical figures. These are positioned in a symmetrical layout, yet rendered with a dynamic contrast between the stillness of the seated figure on the left and the animated posture of the figure on the right. The globe serves as a visual metaphor. It's both a representation of the world and the cosmos and an abstract space for contemplating Venice's role. The allegorical figures—one holding a book, the other with a laurel—represent knowledge and victory, reinforcing a message of Venetian power and influence. The balance between realism and symbolism embodies the period's complex dialogue between empirical observation and classical ideals. Observe how the very lines of the etching don't just depict, but also invite a reading of power, knowledge and place in the world.