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Seafaring Nations - Venice by Francois Michel Louis Tonetti
Photo CreditCarol M. Highsmith Photography
Seafaring Nations - Venice
Photo CreditCarol M. Highsmith Photography

Seafaring Nations - Venice

Year1907
Classification sculpture
Dimensions11' x 7' x ?
  • Venice is represented by Doge in robes of State.  Weighs 200 tons. The male figure of Venice stands with the proper left foot partially off the front edge of the base.  The proper right foot is hidden in the figure's coat.  Venice is dressed in an elaborately carved "brocaded" coat.  His proper left arm rests on a capitol situated behind him at his proper left.  The arm wraps around a winged lion; the lion sits on an open book, which in turn, sits on the capitol.  In his proper left hand, he holds a glove.  His proper right arm is extended out to the side; the proper right hand holds the tip of the bow of a boat; the boat is represented as the front half of a boat, whick sits at the proper right side of the figure.  The figure wears a hat which has ear flaps at either side, and a plume at its top.  The initials and name "FML TONETTI SC" are carved on the proper right side of the base.  The sculpture is carved from two sections of Tennessee "marble" limestone.  The alignment between the large carved stone section and the granite base is fairly regular around all sides.