Bianca Capello escapes from Venice 1861

"Bianca Capello escapes from Venice" (1861) by Francesco Hayez depicts a pivotal moment in the dramatic life of Bianca Capello, a Venetian noblewoman who married Francesco I de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany. Hayez, a leading figure in the Italian Romantic movement, captures the tension of Bianca’s escape, rendered with a sense of urgency and mystery. Set against the backdrop of a shadowy Venetian alley, the figures are illuminated by soft light, creating a dramatic contrast and adding depth to the composition. This painting, currently housed at the Alte Nationalgalerie in Berlin, exemplifies Hayez’s masterful use of color and composition, effectively conveying a story of love, power, and intrigue.