View of Venice [lower left block] 1500

Jacopo de’ Barbari’s “View of Venice” is a large-scale woodcut depicting a bird’s-eye view of the city of Venice. Completed in 1500, the print demonstrates Barbari’s pioneering use of perspective, capturing the intricate details of the city’s canals, bridges, and buildings. The artist cleverly incorporates four wind gods, or “venti,” in the clouds, symbolizing the four cardinal winds, which played a significant role in the city’s maritime life. This detailed and accurate depiction of Venice cemented Barbari’s place in the history of printmaking and established his reputation as a master of perspective.