View of Venice [lower center block] 1500

Jacopo de' Barbari's "View of Venice" is a detailed woodcut print from 1500, notable for its bird's-eye perspective of the city. The print, which is 69.4 x 101.2 centimeters in size, depicts Venice as a bustling maritime center, filled with ships and buildings, and even includes a fantastical depiction of Neptune holding a trident, representing the city's powerful naval strength. The woodcut’s detailed rendering of the city's architecture, including the Doge's Palace and the Rialto Bridge, makes it a valuable historical document as well as an artistic masterpiece. This is one of the most important early panoramic cityscapes, showcasing the artistic advancements of the Italian Renaissance, and remains a fascinating visual record of Venice in the early 16th century.