A magnificent plate in full early wash colour with a fine birds-eye panorama of Venice across the top and two views below of the ‘Piazza de S. Marco di Venetia’ and L’Altea parte della Piazza di S. Marco in Venetia’. The lower two images are divided by two insets of costumed male and female nobility.

Taken from the south the perspective beautifully illustrates the city. It is derived from the exceedingly scarce Jacopo de’ Barbari panorama published in 1500. In remarkable detail, it details the network of canals and all the significant buildings including St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the ‘Pont Rialto’, and the Arsenal. It highlights the significance of the Grand Canal weaving through the city and the bustling trade carried out by a city occupying a strategic position in the region. The mainland is in the background along with the various other islands nearby including Murano. The coat of arms of the Venetian Republic is to the right with the Lion of St. Mark along with the Doge’s cap. Cassini (1982) no.78; refer Koeman (1967-70) pp. 85-7.