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 Venice was medieval Europe's gateway to the East, and for 18th-century travelers it retained an exotic character. A prime time to visit Venice was during Carnival. In other Catholic cities it lasted only 12 days, but in Venice it was celebrated for the entire period between Christmas and Lent, which could be more than 2 months. Some of the greatest view painters and engravers of the 18th century (Canaletto, Piranesi) came from Venice and the surrounding area. In their works they capture the splendor and excitement of Venetian ceremonies and also the peculiar quality of light that reflected off of the city's many canals. Click the objects for details.  |
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