The Ancient and Modern Venetian Lagoon, newly delineated and distinguished in its islands, valleys and canals as they are found in the present
Copper engraving, cm. 47×64.5
Sheet cm. 51×75
Within simple and elegant wooden frame for total cm. 64×81.5
The specimen in question represents one of the best-known pieces of evidence among the numerous topographic maps created by Antonio Sandi.
Engraved to a design by Alvise Grandis, the majestic plan of the ancient and modern Venetian lagoon was published by Teodoro Viero in 1799 and dedicated to Gian Pietro Grimani (the example in question does not have the dedication, usually placed on the lower margin).
The work, detailed down to the smallest details, presents the Venetian lagoon of the time throughout the upper part of the sheet, accompanied by a large and precise didactic apparatus; on the lower part of the sheet, in the centre, within a cartouche supported by four cherubs, the shape of the ancient lagoon is reproduced, with two columns of captions arranged on the sides; at the bottom left, a cross-section of the “walls” that protect the lagoon from Chioggia to Pellestrina; at the bottom right is the compass rose.
A rare example for its refined colouring and gold interventions to highlight the inscription MARE ADRIATICO and other minute details.
The sheet is intact with wide margins, as originally; in a very good overall state of preservation.
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SILVER Seller in Venezia, Italy
