The History of Venice, in Paintings
Venice's Museo Civico Correr
This museum is no match for the Accademia but does include some interesting paintings of Venetian life, plus a fine collection of artifacts (like coins, costumes, the doges' ceremonial robes and hats, and an incredible pair of 15-inch platform shoes) that gives an interesting feel for aspects of daily life in the city’s heyday.
Bequeathed to Venice by the aristocratic Correr family in 1830, the museum is divided into three sections: the Painting Section, the History Section, and the Museum of the Risorgimento (Italy's 1797–1866 unification movement). The latter two aren't all that interesting to any who aren't already afficionados.
Of the painting collection from the 13th to the 18th centuries, Vittorio Carpaccio's Le Cortigiane (The Courtesans), in room no. 15 on the upper floor, is one of the museum's most famous works (though there’s a question as to whether the subjects are actually courtesans or respectable noble ladies), as are the star-attraction paintings by the Bellini family, father Jacopo and sons Gentile and Giovanni.
For a lesson in just how little this city has changed in the last several hundred years, head to room no. 22 and its anonymous 17th-century bird's-eye view of Venice. Most of the rooms have a sign with a few paragraphs in English explaining the significance of the contents.
Piazza San Marco 52
tel. +39-041-240-5211, www.museiciviciveneziani.it
Open daily
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This article was last updated in December 2006. All information was accurate at the time.
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Copyright © 1998–2008 by Reid Bramblett. All rights reserved.
