The Bavino, Venice 19th-20th century

Editor: This is Félix Ziem's "The Bavino, Venice." It’s a rather hazy scene, dominated by ships and gondolas. What historical narratives do you see woven into this cityscape? Curator: Ziem romanticizes Venice, focusing on maritime power and leisurely gondola rides. But consider who gets to enjoy this Venice? It presents a selective view of Venetian society, ignoring the working classes. Editor: So, it's more about the image Venice wants to project, rather than reality? Curator: Precisely. It's a picturesque postcard designed for consumption. Editor: That gives me a lot to think about; it seems so much about controlling the narrative. Curator: Exactly. Art often tells us as much about who's telling the story as it does about the subject itself.