Magnificentiores selectioresque urbis Venetiarum prospectus

About this artwork

Step into the enchanting world of 18th-century Venice withMagnificentiores selectioresqueis Venetiarum*, a captivating etching by Michele Maries from 1741. Marieschi, a Venetian renowned for his *vedute*—topographical views of his native city—created this work as part of a series celebrating the lagoon's most splendid landmarks. Measuring 311mm high by 475mm wide, it exemplifies the artist's skill in distilling the city's majestic architecture and shimmering waterways into a portable, intricate print. Etching, the medium here (noted as "ets en gravure" in period descriptions), allowed Marieschi to achieve fine, expressive lines with acid-etched copper plates, producing rich tonal contrasts that evoke Venice's atmospheric light and grandeur. During the height of the Grand Tour era, such prints were prized souvenirs for European travelers, immortalizing iconic prospects like grand palazzos and bustling canals. Marieschi's style, blending realism with subtle fantasy, rivaled masters like Canaletto, making his works essential to the veduta tradition. This piece not only documents Venice's fading Republic-era splendor but also highlights printmaking's role in democratizing art, bringing the Serenissima's allure to collectors far beyond its bridges. A true gem for admirers of Baroque-era topography!