The Rezzonico and Balbi Palaces, on the Grand Canal

Category

Library Item

Item no

24999

Title

Palazzi Rezzonico e Balbi sul Canal Grande [The Rezzonico and Balbi palaces, on the Grand Canal]

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 Rezzonico Family, who were inscribed on the Roll of Venetian Patricians in 1687, entrusted, in 1752, the erection of this Palace to Giorgio Massari, one of the best architects of his time, and the result was worthy of the family which numbered Pope Clement XIII among its members. When the Emperor Joseph II visited Venice in 1769, the Republic gave a grand concert in his honor in the halls of this palace, said to be the finest that had ever been heard in the city. This palace was purchased by the poet Browning who died there in 1889, an event commemorated by a marble tablet placed by the Municipality on one of the outer walls, and which contains the following inscription: ROBERTO BROWNING Morto In Questo Palazzo Venezia Pose. 'Open my heart and you will see graved inside of it 'Italy.'

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Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Balconies

Architecture > Architectural features > Bell towers

Architecture > Architectural features > Doors and doorways

Architecture > Architectural features > Ornate brickworks

Architecture > Architectural features > Windows

Homes > Residential buildings > Houses

Landscape > Water > Canals

Places > Europe > Italy

Religion > Religious facilities > Churches

Transport > Water > Gondolas

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