Churches of San Giorgio and Santa Maria della Salute, on the Grand Canal from the public gardens, Venice before 1877

This print by J. Greer shows the churches of San Giorgio and Santa Maria della Salute, on the Grand Canal in Venice. It comes from a time when Venice was increasingly seen as a destination for wealthy tourists, its unique geography and history providing a feast for the eyes. But these churches are not simply picturesque backdrops. They are powerful symbols of the city's history and identity, built in response to devastating plagues that decimated the population. San Giorgio Maggiore, with its imposing facade, represents the power of the Benedictine order. Santa Maria della Salute, with its distinctive domes, symbolizes the city's devotion to the Virgin Mary. Greer's print, presented within the pages of a travel guide, flattens these complex histories into a consumable image. It is up to the cultural historian to unpack the layers of meaning embedded within such images, to reveal the social and institutional forces that shape both the creation and consumption of art. Exploring archives of the church and state will reveal the nuances of Venetian history and the power of art to shape civic identity.