Convivio delle Belle Donne 1532

This woodcut, "Convivio delle Belle Donne", was made by Nicolò Zoppino in Venice, some time in the early 16th century. The image shows a pastoral scene of harmony between man and nature. It invites us to consider the era's changing relationship between the urban environment of Venice and its countryside. The figure in the center may be Apollo, the classical god of music and poetry. The animals are also diverse and are portrayed in a peaceful gathering. This idealized image of nature is in contrast to the increasingly industrialized landscape of the time. In Venice, the wealthy classes sought refuge in rural estates, a trend that idealized pastoral life, contrasting with the urban realities of labor and commerce. Zoppino’s print speaks to this tension and the social desire for simpler times. To better understand this artwork, we might study the history of Venetian land ownership, as well as the literary and artistic trends of the Renaissance. By looking at the social and institutional context, we can better understand its meaning and impact.