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Dec 29, 2020
Did you know Piazza San Marco is the only piazza in Venice? Even though there are 135 other squares in La Serenissima, they are called campo, Piazzetta, or Piazzale. Why? Campo means field. And these town centers were originally green grassy areas that were even cultivated sometimes.
Piazza San Marco however is the heart of Venice. Historically it is both a civic and religious center. La Basilica di San Marco (or Baxéłega de San Marco in Venetian) sits at one end of the square. Il Palazzo Ducale, from which the Doge governed the Venetian Republic for over 1000 years, sits next to it. They are both extraordinary works of architecture in a unique Venetian Baroque style. They are always the first thing that catches my eye in Venice, but there is more.
Maybe you would prefer to relax at a café and soak in the view? This is the place to do it. Also in this piazza you will find Caffè Florian, the oldest café in Europe. It was founded on December 29, 1720 - so this is its 300th birthday! There is often live music to enjoy if you sit on the terrace.
My painting is of the south side of the piazza directly facing the basilica. Specifically it is the entrance portico to what is know as the “Napoleonic Wing”. Like most places in Italy, it has an interesting story.
Originally la Chiesa di San Geminiano stood on this location, founded as far back as the 6th century. When Napoleon invaded in 1807, he decided that the church would be demolished and replaced with a palace for his nephew. That is how this side of Piazza San Marco become known as the Napoleonic Wing. Today it has transformed into the Museo Correr which displays both the art and history of Venice.
Why did I paint it? I loved the lush detail in every corner backlit by the light coming through the arches. The warm red of the tile floor echos the square patterns in the ceiling. Rounded arches provide a contrast to the angular patterns while at the same time creating a vignette through the archway. I also loved the the relaxed vibe of the people strolling through as they explored the piazza and its treasures.
Are you ready to see me paint this Venetian Piazza? Watch the video below to see a time-lapse of me painting II Portico di Piazza San Marco!
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