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View of Venice, 1500 (woodcut)
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View of Venice, 1500 (woodcut)
3557439 View of Venice, 1500 (woodcut) by Barbari, Jacopo de (1440/50-a.1515); 132.72x277.5 cm; Minneapolis Institute of Arts, MN, USA; (add.info.: Published by Anton Kolb
Woodcut from six blocks on six sheets of paper
Long before the advent of balloons and other aircraft, Jacopo de Barbari created a bird s-eye view of Venice through the power of his intellect and imagination. The mural-size print was unprecedented in scale when it was published in the year 1500. Every building, canal, and open square is documented here. One imagines Barbari and his assistants climbing up the citys 103 bell towers in order to survey the dense urban landscape. The View of Venice also features the maritime activities that made the city an international center of trade. Mercury, the god of commerce, presides over the city, while watchful Neptune, god of the seas, rides his dolphin through the harbor.
The incredible advance in the presentation and dissemination of information makes this the Google Earth of its day. The View is a landmark in the history of printmaking. It was printed in sections from six carved wooden blocks. Each part is so big that the individual sheets of paper were the largest ever produced in Europe at that time. When published, the View was very expensive, and most examples were probably displayed on walls. The result is that only a dozen of the original edition are known to survive. Mias example, acquired in 2010, was the first to change hands in 55 years; it is one of just three in America and is in unusually good condition.); eMinneapolis Institute of Art; The John R. Van Derlip Fund; Italian, out of copyright
Media ID 23136798
© Minneapolis Institute of Art The John R. Van Derlip Fund / Bridgeman Images
Aerial View Bacino Birds Eye View Canal Cartography Lagoon Monumental Topographical Allegorical Serenissima
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This print showcases Jacopo de Barbari's "View of Venice, 1500" a monumental woodcut that offers a mesmerizing bird's-eye perspective of the iconic city. Created long before the invention of aircraft, this artwork demonstrates Barbari's remarkable intellect and imaginative prowess. The sheer scale of this mural-sized print was unprecedented during its time, providing an intricate documentation of every building, canal, and open square in Venice. As one gazes upon this masterpiece, it is easy to envision Barbari and his assistants ascending the city's numerous bell towers to survey its dense urban landscape. Beyond the architectural marvels, the artwork also captures Venice's maritime activities that propelled it into becoming an international trade hub. The god Mercury symbolizing commerce presides over the city while Neptune rides his dolphin through the harbor as a watchful guardian. Considered as Google Earth for its era, this woodcut represents a groundbreaking achievement in presenting and disseminating information. Printed from six carved wooden blocks onto large sheets of paper—the largest ever produced in Europe at that time—each section contributes to forming an awe-inspiring whole. Although originally costly and likely displayed on walls due to their size, only around twelve surviving examples are known today from the original edition. Minneapolis Institute of Arts' acquisition in 2010 marked a significant event after 55 years without any changes in ownership. This exceptional piece remains one of just three copies held within American collections and boasts unusually good condition—a testament to its enduring significance in art history.
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