Antonio Sandi, The Ancient And Modern Venetian Lagoon, Copper Engraving, 47 X 64.5 Cm

Antonio Sandi
(Puos d’Alpago, 1733 – 1817)

The Ancient and Modern Venetian Lagoon, newly delineated and distinguished in its islands, valleys, and canals as they are today
Copper engraving, 47 x 64.5 cm
Sheet 51 x 75 cm
Within a simple and elegant wooden frame, totaling 64 x 81.5 cm

This example represents one of the best-known examples of the numerous topographical maps produced by Antonio Sandi. Engraved from a drawing by Alvise Grandis, this majestic map of the ancient and modern Venetian lagoon was published by Teodoro Viero in 1799 and dedicated to Gian Pietro Grimani (this example does not have a dedication, usually placed in the lower margin).

The work, meticulously detailed, depicts the Venetian lagoon of the time across the entire upper section of the sheet, accompanied by extensive and detailed captions. At the bottom of the sheet, in the center, within a cartouche held by four cherubs, the shape of the ancient lagoon is reproduced, with two columns of captions arranged on either side. At the bottom left, a cross-section of the "murazzi" (walls) protecting the lagoon from Chioggia to Pellestrina; at the bottom right, a compass rose.

A rare example for its refined coloring and gold accents highlighting the wording "MARE ADRIATICO" (ADRIATIC SEA) and other minute details.

The sheet is intact with wide margins, as it was originally; in very good overall condition.