Portret van doge Marco Foscarini 1750 - 1803

Innocente Alessandri made this portrait of Doge Marco Foscarini in the late 1700s. It is a testament to the power and status afforded to Venetian rulers during this period. The Doge, a man of obvious importance, is captured in a moment of contemplation. The print uses visual cues such as his elaborate headwear and determined expression to convey a sense of authority. Made in Venice, this piece exists within a specific cultural and political context. The Republic of Venice, while in decline, still held significant economic and cultural power. Foscarini’s position as Doge would have been one of immense political significance, navigating the complex web of Venetian society and external pressures from other European powers. To fully grasp the nuances of this portrait, it's important to delve into the social history of Venice, examining its political institutions, economic structures, and cultural values through archival documents and institutional records. It's through this contextual research that the true meaning and significance of art are revealed.