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Title

As Venice's wealth grew so to did it's attraction for artists. Money was available for commissions both publicly and privately and it drew Bellini, Titian, Tintoretto.

Historically art has had a relationship, whether positive or negative; friendly or adversarial; between political, social and religious institutions of any region including the Venetian Republic.

Venice and the Veneto explores the architectural alterations to the city looking at key architects like Sansovino and Palladio and their political or private commissions.

What's new. That's a question art fans will have, what more can be gleamed. Venice and the Veneto works both for those entering their first foray into this fascinating subject and those who want more. Walk through some important works and artists such as Titian, da Messina, Bellini, TInoretto, Giorgione and Lorenzo Lotto; just a taste of what this compilation has in store.

Tracey E. Cooper contributes Patricians and Citizens a walk through the relationship between the art world and the movers of Venice. The wealthy wanted to be remembered and this was done through their half-length portraits which became popular as a means to express wealth and status. The Venetian Doge was not immune. Often he was depicted with the Holy Family. Wonder why? The answer lies in Venice and the Veneto

The Doge was traditionally an elderly man, thus highly likely to have a very short reign. It was considered improper for the Doge to place his image across the city. There were few exceptions. Upon his election the Doge was expected to commission a painting where he was seen kneeling in homage before Madonna and child.

If a new public building was commissioned during the Doge's reign he was entitled to have a portrait of himself appear in this new space as an "image of investiture". The Doge was expected to commission a 'altar frontal' for San Marco's High Altar upon his election to this prestigious Office.

The Doge was from one of Venice's prestigious families. Keeping their families safe from outside influences led to a restriction on marriages within the noble families. This edict created a large group of men and women who were unable to legally marry leading to a new set of problems for the Italian city.

Venice had a unique contribution to the Italian art scene. Venice and the Veneto goes beyond Venice looking at  Padua, Treviso, Vicenza, Verona,  Brescia and Bergamo. Each used the visual arts to create and solidity their own identity.

Private devotion led to artistic patronage leaving a creative mark on a breathtaking city and it's outlining areas. Venice and the Veneto provides the tools to truly understand the historical setting and importance of Venice on the Italian culture, that has and continues to be a Mecca for art aficionados.