The Faces of Venice
Welcome to the Blog today, Friends. I’m so happy you’re here. Today I’m going to share some of the artwork that is available to anyone who visits Venice as a reward for just walking the streets on a beautiful day. Everywhere in the city are faces that are found on the walls of buildings, in piazzas and near the many bridges that connect the islands of Venice.
The above picture shows one of the many depictions of “The Lion of Venice”, the symbol of St. Mark, the patron Saint of Venice.
The “Lion of Venice” is depicted in many forms everywhere in the city. Every lion’s face is just a bit different but all are presented as noble beings.
You will find many figures of Venetians in prominent places. This one was over the entrance to one of the “Scuola” or trade fraternities of Venice. These were often commissioned by the members to adorn the buildings.
This is one of the few remaining mailboxes that were scattered around Venice during the republic. If you had a complaint or suggestion, you would place your letter through the mouth and it would be collected and reviewed by the appropriate office in the Venetian government.
Grotesques are situated over doorways to discourage evil spirits from entering the home.
Venetians were very concerned about making a good impression. You will often find doorknobs that are decorative faces adorning the entrance to a home.
The amount of detail in each doorknob is quite amazing.
Here’s another beautiful metal doorknob.
The side view gives you even more detail.
You will find art in some unlikely places in Venice. Look up, look down, look all around to gain a full appreciation of the beauty of the city.
Loved Venice (2nd). Our favorite was Florence.
Both Florence and Venice are super places to visit. I have a hard time choosing between them. thanks for stopping by and have a great week.
Lynne
Hi,
Those are really lovely photos, thanks !
However, I would object to the word “mailbox” used here. Those were not mailboxes for sending a letter post office style to the government or to anyone else. Those were used for denunciations and unfortunately they were used quite a lot in the Venice of that time.
Mary
You are absolutely correct, Mary, in fact the “mailboxes” were related to very specific complaints. Sanitation issues had a specific box in Dorsoduro, crimes against the State tended to be in the Palazzo Ducale and so on. It was a really interesting system. Most letters of complaint or denunciation had to be witnessed by two other individuals and if the accusations were proved false, the accusers faced the penalties. Venice is really fascinating. Thanks for taking the time to visit and share information. Have a great week.
Lynne
I have never been to Italy so I love seeing photos! The doorknobs are truly spectacular! Thanks for sharing these, Lynne!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Thanks, Marsha, I was really fascinated by all the art work that was available by just looking when you are walking. Much more, of course, inside the museums and houses. Thanks for stopping by and sharing.
Lynne
All the faces are so interesting! I’ve been fortunate to visit Venice a few times and I recognized a couple of them.
The faces are recognizable. So glad you’ve had the chance to visit Venice. It is a magical city. Thanks for stopping by and sharing.
Lynne
These are wonderful! Thanks for sharing this post at the Will Blog for Comments #23 linkup. Hope to see you next week, too. Have a great week!
Thanks, Jennifer, love to share on your Blog. Have a great week.
Lynne
I really enjoyed this post of everyday bits of architecture. So often people only take photos of the museums, fountains, etc. I find the doors, windows, and everyday bits so interesting. Great photos, thanks for the tour, Sandi
Thanks, Sandi, I love looking and recording the small things and the details. there’s always something to see. Have a great week and thanks for sharing.
Lynne