The Zendale, or the woman returning from church, from "Divers Portraits" 1775

Giovanni David created this etching titled "The Zendale, or the woman returning from church, from Divers Portraits" in the late 18th century. The image presents a woman in a zendale, a traditional Venetian mask and cloak, returning from church, accompanied by her dog. In 18th-century Venice, the zendale allowed women to move about with a degree of anonymity, blurring social boundaries. David captures a sense of the complex interplay between public appearance and hidden identity. The woman's posture and the presence of the mask both conceal and reveal aspects of her persona. The zendale, while offering freedom, also speaks to the constraints placed on women in the society of the time. The setting, with the church in the background, adds another layer of meaning, hinting at the tension between religious observance and secular life. The inclusion of the dog, playfully tugging at her dress, brings a moment of levity, perhaps hinting at the more personal, unguarded aspects of her life beyond the church and the zendale.