Architecture & Design · 19th century
€ 1 200
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
General age-related toning. Some wear and foxing. Blank verso, please study images carefully.
A large chromolithograph of the main portal of the Basilica of San Marco in Venice, Italy, originating from Ferdinando Ongania's "Basilica di San Marco in Venezia" published in 1881, wis a striking representation of this iconic example of Italo-Byzantine architecture.
Chromolithography, a method for making multi-color prints, was a significant art form of the 19th century, enabling the reproduction of color photographs with a painterly quality. This process would capture the grandeur and intricate details of the Basilica's portal with rich, vibrant colors, emphasizing the golden mosaics, the elaborate carvings, and the array of sculptures that adorn the church's façade.
The print features the Basilica's famed horses above the portal and the luxurious design elements that make the edifice one of the most recognized symbols of Venetian opulence and power. It also highlights the assortment of marble and stone figures, patterns, and religious iconography that cover the exterior—a visual testament to Venice's historic wealth and artistic heritage.
As a document from Ongania's comprehensive work on the Basilica di San Marco, this chromolithograph would not only be a beautiful art piece but also an important historical record. Ongania's work was known for its meticulous detail and commitment to accuracy, making this print a valuable resource for scholars and admirers of Venetian art and architecture.
Considering the date and origin, this chromolithograph would appeal to collectors and historians, representing a fusion of technological advancement in printmaking and the enduring allure of Venice's architectural marvels. It would stand as a testament to the Basilica's enduring legacy and the painstaking efforts of 19th-century artisans and historians to preserve and celebrate such heritage.
