This work is regarded as one of the finest topographical works printed in the nineteenth century. A superb collection of colour plates illustrating views and costumes of Venice. The magnificent original colour uses luminous gouache in addition to egg white or gum arabic and occasionally gold paint. Francesco Zanotto (1794-1863) was a native of Venice. After studying classical art and literature he worked as a clerk at the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice. From 1831 his works on Venetian art began to be published. Later he published a monograph on the Doge’s Palace.

The book contains 36 picturesque views of the city and surrounding islands, most with active foregrounds including ships and gondolas. They include fine views of St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs and Rialto, the Arsenal and various palazzi, etc. This is followed by 20 historical costumes from Doges to gondoliers. The final 4 plates depict festivals including the famous regatta on the Grand Canal and the Carnival. Instead of the called for plate 14, ‘Riva degli Schiavoni’, one of the Hôtel Danielli is included as found in other examples. These plates are drawn by Marco Moro and J. Rebellato. From the Italian by A. Müller. The dates on plates vary from 1856-59. The bottom of the contents leaf refers to a panorama of Venice which was only produced after publication and is therefore not called for in the work. Not in Lipperheide or Colas.