Vergadering in de Sala del Maggior Consiglio 1610

This anonymous engraving depicts a gathering in the Sala del Maggior Consiglio. It offers a glimpse into the political and social theater of its time. Imagine yourself in this grand hall, surrounded by rows upon rows of figures. Each one embodies the power and privilege afforded by their class. The architecture itself, with its imposing scale and rigid symmetry, reinforces the hierarchical structure of Venetian society. Consider who is represented here – and who is conspicuously absent. Where are the women, the working class, the marginalized voices? This absence speaks volumes about the power dynamics at play and the limitations of representation. The emotional weight of such exclusion is palpable, inviting us to reflect on the complexities of power, identity, and representation. This image challenges us to consider how spaces, both physical and social, can perpetuate inequality and silence certain voices.