Palazzo Ducale 

Antonietta Brandeis captured the Palazzo Ducale in oil, a testament to Venice’s enduring allure. Dominating the scene is the winged lion of Saint Mark, atop a column, symbolising Venetian power and divine authority, harking back to ancient Mesopotamian protective deities. Consider its evolution: from a sacred guardian in antiquity to a Christian emblem, and finally, a representation of Venice itself. This lion's roar echoes through time. We see this very symbol—the lion—re-emerging throughout the ages, from the Lion Gate of Mycenae, an emblem of strength, to the heraldic lions of medieval Europe. The winged lion stirs deep within us, evoking feelings of strength and pride, resonating with a collective memory of power and protection. The image embodies a cyclical return to classical ideals. These symbols remind us that history is not linear but a continuous re-emergence of archetypes.