Venice and the Doges: Six Hundred Years of Architecture, Monuments, and Sculpture

This book provides an illustrated survey of the 120 doges who led the Venetian Republic and a detailed survey of the sculptures and monuments that memorialize them. It reveals the true magnificence of six centuries of Venetian sculpture, with the oldest works dating to the thirteenth century. It highlights the adventurous, eventful, and sometimes glorious lives of these legendary figures, with new photography showcasing the grandeur and beauty of a neglected aspect of Venice's cultural history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 364 pages
Publication date: 16 May 2023
Publisher: Rizzoli International Publications

This captivating book offers a visual feast for the eyes and an engaging, scholarly exploration. It begins with an illustrated survey of the remarkable 120 doges who governed the Venetian Republic, followed by a detailed examination of the diverse array of sculptures and monuments that commemorate them. While Venice is renowned for its artistic contributions in painting and music, its sculptural tradition has often been overshadowed by Florence and Rome. However, based on recent scholarship, this volume unveils the true magnificence of six centuries of Venetian sculpture. Spanning from the thirteenth century to the present day, these masterpieces grace the city's churches and include works by renowned artists from the Lombardo family to Antonio Rizzo, Jacopo Sansovino, Alessandro Vittoria, and Baldassare Longhena.

The sculptural wonders of Venice chronicle the remarkable journey of a procession of doges, including politicians, scholars, conquerors, merchants, and even a saint, Pietro Orseolo, over a millennium of history. Engaging text highlights the adventurous, eventful, and sometimes glorious lives of these legendary figures, while the newly commissioned photography showcases the grandeur and beauty of a neglected aspect of Venice's cultural heritage. This captivating book provides a profound insight into the rich artistic legacy of Venice, shedding light on its lesser-known sculptural treasures and the remarkable individuals who shaped its history.

Weight: 2726g
Dimension: 320 x 254 x 46 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780847899296