Het Dogepaleis te Venetië 1707 - 1768

Canaletto rendered this image of the Doge's Palace in Venice with etching. See how the columns, topped by symbols of Venice’s patron saints, frame the Doge’s Palace. These columns, the winged lion of St. Mark, and St. Theodore, embody the power and authority of the Venetian Republic. The columns echo ancient Roman traditions, where columns marked important public spaces. The lion, a symbol of strength, has roots in ancient Near Eastern art, representing royalty and divine power, its adoption as a Christian symbol and association with St. Mark gave it renewed authority. Just as St. Theodore, a warrior saint, represents military strength. The placement of these symbols above the palace engages our collective memory, reminding us of Venice's enduring power and influence, evoking an emotional response tied to the city's rich history. Venice’s symbols reappear across centuries, from ancient empires to modern art, representing enduring themes of power, faith, and cultural identity.