Artwork

The Doge Entertains Foreign Ambassadors at a Banquet

The Doge Entertains Foreign Ambassadors at a Banquet, by Giovanni Battista Brustolon, ink, 1764
The Doge Entertains Foreign Ambassadors at a Banquet, by Giovanni Battista Brustolon, ink, 1764

The Doge Entertains Foreign Ambassadors at a Banquet is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Giovanni Battista Brustolon. It dates from 1764 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:lower left in plate: Antonius Canal pinxit.; lower right in plate: Jo. Bap. Brustolon inc.; across bottom in plate: Solemne Serenissimi Principis convivium, quo cum electis Proceribus, exterorum Principum ...; lower right in plate: No. 12

About this work

Overview

The Doge Entertains Foreign Ambassadors at a Banquet is a 1764 etching and engraving on laid paper by Giovanni Battista Brustolon, depicting a lavish gathering in a grand, ornate room.

Subject & Meaning

The print illustrates a ceremonial banquet hosted by the Doge, surrounded by formally attired foreign ambassadors and dignitaries, conveying an atmosphere of luxury, celebration, and diplomatic hospitality.

Technique & Style

Brustolon's use of etching and engraving techniques achieves intricate details in the room's architecture and the attendees' attire. The strategic employment of light and shadow enhances depth, focusing attention on the central table and imbuing the scene with warmth.

History & Provenance

Created in 1764, the work's provenance is not detailed here, but its creation date situates it within Brustolon's active period, reflecting the artistic and political climate of 18th-century Venice.

Context

This engraving reflects the Venetian Republic's tradition of grand diplomatic receptions, showcasing the Doge's role in international relations and the city's opulent ceremonial culture during the 18th century.

Legacy

While specific influences or direct artistic descendants are not highlighted, the print remains a notable example of 18th-century Venetian artistic craftsmanship and documentary evidence of the era's diplomatic pageantry.

Reception by the Doge of Foreign Ambassadors in the Sala del Collegio
Reception by the Doge of Foreign Ambassadors in the Sala del Collegio, Giovanni Battista Brustolon

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted The Doge Entertains Foreign Ambassadors at a Banquet?

The Doge Entertains Foreign Ambassadors at a Banquet was painted by Giovanni Battista Brustolon in 1764.

Where can I see The Doge Entertains Foreign Ambassadors at a Banquet?

The Doge Entertains Foreign Ambassadors at a Banquet is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Doge Entertains Foreign Ambassadors at a Banquet?

The Doge Entertains Foreign Ambassadors at a Banquet is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of The Doge Entertains Foreign Ambassadors at a Banquet?

Museum-quality prints of The Doge Entertains Foreign Ambassadors at a Banquet are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.