Binnenplaats van Palazzo Ducale te Venetië 1741

Michele Marieschi created this print of the Doge's Palace courtyard in Venice, using etching to emphasize the architectural space. The composition is dominated by the linear perspective, drawing the eye deep into the courtyard, flanked by the imposing structures of the palace. The light, rendered through meticulous hatching, creates a dynamic play across the stone facades, highlighting the geometric precision of the arcades. This ordered space is subtly animated by the presence of figures, whose small scale underscores the grandeur of their surroundings. The print functions as a sign, encoding cultural values associated with Venetian power and order. Yet, the artist's focus on the graphic qualities—the textures and tonal variations achieved through etching—introduces a level of abstraction. The structural clarity, combined with the nuanced rendering of light, serves not only to depict a real place but also to construct an idealized vision of Venice, captured through the formal language of etching. The scene invites viewers to contemplate the interplay between representation and artistic construction.