WONDERFUL LARGE VIEW OF VENICE SEEN TOWARDS THE EAST OVER ST MARK'S SQUARE “Venezia”, engraving with aquatint by Franceso Citterio after a drawing by P. Majocchi, separately published by Antonio Vallardi approx. 1840. Coloured by a later hand. Size (engraved area) 23 x 89 cm. Venice around 1840 was in transition. It was a time when the city was facing significant challenges as a result of its declining economic power and political influence. The city's population had been declining for several decades, and many of its residents were struggling to make a living. However, despite these challenges, Venice remained one of the most beautiful and enchanting cities in the world. It was (and still is today) dotted with magnificent palaces, grand churches, and picturesque canals, which were lined with the colorful homes of its residents. From left to right we see the Teatro Malibran, the Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo, the Santa Maria Formosa, the buildings of the Old Procuracies, St Mark's Clocktower, the Piazza San Marco, St Mark's Campanile, the Doge's Palace, the Church of San Zaccaria, the Procuratie Nuove on the northern side of Saint Mark's Square, the Riva Degli Schiavoni waterfornt, the tower of the Arsenal, the public gardens in Castello, the free-trade port, the island of San Giorgio Magiore and the Giudeccia Canal on the very right. Antonio Vallardi is an Italian publishing house based in Milan. Founded in 1750 by Francesco Cesare Vallardi, the firm still operates today. In the mid 19th century, the company published artistic, geographic, scientific and religious works, as well as city views, including panoramas of Italian cities such as Milan, Venice and Florence. Price: Euro 1.450,-
