Lavish gold mosaic characterizes the interior of the Basilica of San Marco. Subjects of the mosaic cycles include scenes from the Old and New Testaments, with a specific emphasis on the lives of Christ, the Virgin Mary and St. Mark
The Basilica of San Marco served as the spiritual heart of the Republic of Venice. Technically the private chapel of the leader of Venice -- the Doge -- this church houses the remains of the city's patron saint, Mark. Contrary to popular belief, San Marco is not a cathedral. The cathedral of Venice, San Pietro di Castello - is located far outside the city center. This peripheral location was intended to marginalize the importance of the papacy within the city's urban fabric.
Italy--Venice Venice--St. Mark Venice--Piazza San Marco
This is one of two columns located in the so-called "Piazzetta" of San Marco. It depicts a winged lion, the evangelical symbol of Venice's patron saint, Mark. The sculpture itself was fashioned in the 4th - 3rd century B.C.E. but was renamed St. Mark and placed in Venice in the 13th century C.E.
Art -- Venice -- Italy Painting -- Italy -- Venice Renaissance -- Art -- Italy
This painting is one of multiple ceiling paintings created by Paolo Veronese for the Room of the Council of Ten Palazzo Ducale, Venice. The government officials who met in this room had multiple responsibilities, including control over access to the Treasury of San Marco. This authority helps explain the representation of jewels in the painting, especially the importance of the Ducal Corno.
Italy -- Venice Architecture -- Italy -- Venice Italy--Venice--Social life and customs
Construction of Palazzo Ducale began in 1340. This multipurpose building served as the seat of the government of the Republic of Venice as well as the personal residence of the elected leader of the Republic, the Doge of Venice.
Italy -- Venice Art -- Italian Italy -- Venice -- Gemstones
This photograph depicts the interior of the Treasury of San Marco as it exists in the 21st century. The display cabinets have changed over time, but other elements - including the West facing window which figures prominently in this photo - date to the 16th century and were designed by Jacopo Sansovino.
The Cantino Planisphere is the earliest known European cartographic representation depicting the Americas. Several details merit note, including the Tordesillas line - which divided control over the Americas between Spain and Portugal.
Treasury of San Marco, Venice (exterior)
Italy -- Venice -- Social life and customs
The Treasury of San Marco is situated on the Northwest corner of the Basilica of San Marco in Venice. This photograph records the exterior of the Treasury. Originally constructed in the 11th century, the Treasury was significantly renovated in the early 16th century by Jacopo Sansovino.
18th century watercolor depicting the Ducal Corno. The original corno was created in 1555 and dis-assembled in the early 19th century, making this rendering an invaluable resource for understanding the appearance of this destroyed object.
Height: 355 millimeters Width: 285 millimeters
British Museum Regstration number: 1893,0411.10.15
Italy -- Venice -- Treasury of San Marco
Archival account book recording of the money spent on the creation of a new Ducal Corno in the year 1555. The Ducal Corno was the official crown worn by the Doge of Venice. The idea for the new Corno was originally suggested in the 1530s, but was not realized until 1555.
Archivio di Stato di Venezia, Procuratori di San Marco di Supra, Chiesa, Atti, busta 79