Venice may have originated from a marshy, inhospitable lagoon, but it quickly rose to become a central religious authority, a culturally vibrant center, and a worldwide economic powerhouse. [1] Through various forms of artistic developments, interactions, and commissions, Venetians celebrated this aspect of their city\u2019s history through the ideals that they spread to both Venetians within the republic and to the world at large. This was especially true during the Early Modern period in Venice where numerous artists competed for commissions from the city\u2019s various scuole, the patrician class, and the Venetian government to perpetuate the concept of La Serenissima\u2014the most peaceful and prosperous republic of Venice. [2]<\/p>\n
One facet of the mysticism surrounding Venice was the notion that Venice was granted divine protection particularly stemming from the Virgin Mary. According to legend, Venice was founded on March 25, on the day of the Annunciation, in the year 421. [3] As a result, Venice has perpetually seen itself as connected to the Virgin Mary herself and believed her to be a conduit of God\u2019s protection of Venice. This notion is further perpetuated by Venetian\u2019s belief that Venice was a city beloved by God, who had raised it from the sea as a symbol of Christian ideals. [4] Ultimately, these factors coalesced to perpetuate Venice\u2019s self-identity as a divinely protected city, and, specifically, one protected by a female divine figure.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, due to the Greco-Roman revival prominent during the Early Modern Period, there were also numerous instances and imagery that included mythological figures as well. This aspect is clearly evident in famous pieces like the View of Venice<\/em> by Jacopo de Barbari, which included the figures of Jupiter and Neptune with inscriptions declaring their protection over Venice. [5] However, protection by pagan gods was not limited to the male deities, as there were numerous depictions of Roman goddesses, such as Minerva and Diana, acting in roles of power and protection.<\/p>\n This exhibit highlights the ways in which women were depicted in roles of divinity and protection, not only within the realm of the Christian religion but with consideration of mythological figures as well. It also provides a glimpse into the ways women were not seen as divine or as protectors and the balance that is struck between both roles and interpretations for Venetian women.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n [1] David Rosand, Myths of Venice: The Figurations of a State<\/em> (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 2001), 6.<\/p>\n