Venetian Jugglers in front of the Palace of the Doge c. 1750 - 1760
anonymous
stadelmuseum
painting, oil-paint, oil
gouache
narrative-art
baroque
painting
oil-paint
oil
oil painting
group-portraits
cityscape
genre-painting
"Venetian Jugglers in front of the Palace of the Doge", an anonymous oil painting from the mid-18th century, captures the vibrant energy of Venice. A group of street performers entertain a lively crowd, showcasing the city's diverse population. The artist expertly depicts the intricate details of the architecture, costumes, and expressions of the figures, immersing viewers in the bustling scene. This snapshot of 18th-century Venetian life, now housed in the Städel Museum, offers a glimpse into the city's rich cultural tapestry.
Comments
The appearance of jugglers and circus artistes is trumpeted forth from the arcades of the Doge's Palace in Venice in the true sense of the word. A masked man holds up a pig's trotter and balances an object with his other hand - is he a quack doctor? In front, a lady in a light blue dress coquettishly delights a gallant gentleman, but the stubbly chin suggests that the so-called gnaga mask is actually hiding a man's face. The masked scholar in the background also represents a type; perhaps he is part of a troupe of actors. In fact, the boundaries between actors and public have become blurred. Is the gentleman from the Orient part of the ensemble, or is he a foreign merchant? And what about the elegantly dressed gentleman and his companion, before whom a beggar woman is bowing? The scene is full of riddles: it is carnival time in Venice.
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