Michele Giovanni Marieschi, printmaker

In this Venetian view seen from the great bend in the Grand Canal, Michele Giovanni Marieschi depicted several decorated floats and a profusion of gondolas awaiting a triumphant regatta on the large lagoon. To the left of center, a large, decorated, three-story architectural float hung with coats of arms acts as a loading dock. Further left, a float propelled by paddlewheels depicts Neptune’s chariot and carries a military figure wearing a cuirass, possibly Mars, the god of War. In the
foreground to the far left, another float carries a female figure; paired with Mars, she would represent Venus/Venice. A float decked out in the chinoiserie style in the right foreground displays the object of their triumph: a crowned figure and a bound prisoner. Finally, a decorated landing area in the right background between the two palaces provides a special reception area. Close inspection reveals hundreds of onlookers peering out of every window in the surrounding palazzi.