Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana Self-researched
Venice, Italy
Architectural style: Renaissance
Artworks
Fra Mauro Map Self-researched
Considered the greatest memorial of medieval cartography, this circular world map (planisphere) measures over two by two meters. It includes Asia, the Indian Ocean, Africa, Europe, and the Atlantic, with south oriented at the top. Contains hundreds of detailed illustrations and more than 3000 descriptive texts.
Music (La Musica) Self-researched
Depicts beautiful young women playing string instruments—viola da gamba, lute, and harpsichord—with a third woman singing and Cupid shown under a marble statue of a faun. This work was judged the best tondo in the ceiling and earned Veronese a prize of a gold chain, as judged by Titian and Sansovino.
Honour (L'Onore) Self-researched
One of three ceiling tondi by Veronese in the library's main hall, depicting an enthroned male figure (Honour) being adored by the Virtues. Part of a decorative programme of 21 ceiling paintings selected by Sansovino and Titian.
Arithmetic and Geometry Self-researched
One of Veronese's three ceiling tondi in the library, depicting allegorical figures representing Arithmetic and Geometry. The paintings were commissioned as part of the library's elaborate ceiling decoration.
Wisdom (La Sapienza) Self-researched
Titian's contribution to the first room ceiling of the library, depicting Wisdom as an allegorical figure. Titian also served as one of the judges who selected the other ceiling painters.
Plato Self-researched
One of a pair of philosopher portraits by Veronese flanking the entrance portal in the main hall. The side walls feature canvases by various artists representing the Philosophers.
Aristotle Self-researched
The companion piece to Plato, positioned on the opposite side of the entrance portal. Part of the philosopher portrait series decorating the library walls.