Gondola Veneziane [The Venetian Gondola]

Category

Library Item

Item no

24918

Title

Gondola Veneziane [The Venetian Gondola]

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1893

Size

35.0 x 23.5 cm

Type

Photogravure

Location

Art and Design Library

Ferdinando Ongania [1842 - 1911] was an Italian antiquarian bookseller, with a shop in St. Mark's Square in Venice. From 1861 until his death in 1911 he devoted himself almost entirely to the printing of illustrated art books. His love of Venice inspired him to record the architecture of his beloved city.

Description for this print from the original index page from the publication:
"The name is said to have been derived from the Greek word kondy. They were originally light embarcations, but in the centuries of splendour their magnificence became so extravagant that the Senate passed a law reducing them almost to their original simplicity, and providing that they be all painted black, with black furniture, as at present. Notwithstanding their lugubrious appearance they are general favourites as no other form of boat adapts itself so readily and perfectly to the exigences of the tortuous canals, none glides so swifly and with such easy motion under the impulse of a single oar".

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Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Bell towers

Architecture > Architectural features > Domes

Architecture > Architectural features > Roofs

Architecture > Architectural features > Windows

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Hats

Clothing and dress > Garments > Jacket

Clothing and dress > Garments > Trousers

Landscape > Water > Canals

People > Adults > Men

People > Adults > Women

People > Transportation > Gondaliers

Places > Europe > Italy

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