The Art and Archaeology of Venetian Ships and Boats

Drawing on material from several disciplines, this study combines discussions of art and history with scientific scholarship. Here, nautical archaeologist Lillian Ray Martin has collected representations of ships and boats in mediaeval and early Renaissance art from museums, churches, libraries and public buildings of Venice and the surrounding region. After outlining her method of study, Martin presents a brief history of Venetian art, inextricably linked to the history of the area, and then catalogues each known piece of Venetian art that depicts watercraft. She includes such information as the title, artist, date, location, types of watercraft shown, and a comprehensive description of each piece. Martin combines archaeological, documentary and iconographic evidence to paint a picture of Venetian watercraft. More than 150 illustrations, including representations from paintings, sculptures, frescoes, mosaics, engravings, manuscript illuminations, and more, enhance the book. The text reveals important facts about the construction, rigging and sailing of Venetian watercraft, shedding light on the history of Venetian seafaring and the resulting economic and political relations Venice had with the Byzantine and European worlds.