Carte du Plan de Venise, l'Etat de sa Noblesse, et ses differens degrez, avec quelques autres remarques curieuses sur cette superbe ville.

This handsome folio sheet presents a fine full-color example of Chatelain's bird´s eye view of Venice.

It shows the islands, buildings, canals and other details of Venice in tremendous detail and stands as a comprehensive portrayal of Venice's early 18th-century landscape.

Through vividly depicted canals, buildings, and islands, the map delves deeply into the heart of the Venetian Republic, shedding light on its nobility and the intricate web of familial influence that once underscored Venetian society.

Venice, in the early 18th century, was renowned for its distinctive blend of power, commerce, and artistry. As the 'Serenissima' Republic, Venice had managed to retain its independence amid the turbulence of Europe, carving out a unique identity on the international stage. The city's power dynamics, embodied in the figure of the Doge and the influential families around him, played a pivotal role in this. The map, with the accompanying text, highlights these families, detailing their contributions and influence within the Republic, from the famed Doges they birthed to their various other accomplishments.

In this map, Chatelain's craftsmanship beautifully marries art with history. The portrayal of Venice with its interconnected canals and islands captures not just its geographical attributes but offers a gateway into understanding the administrative and societal structures. The lower text, citing families such as Morofini, Gradenigues, and Contarini, serves as a testament to the heritage and legacies carried forward by these names, elucidating their roles in shaping Venice's history.

Beyond its intricate details, the map also acts as a broader reflection on the nature of power and legacy in the pre-modern world. Venice's nobility, with their intertwined histories and the continuous influence they held over the Republic, mirrors the patterns seen in other European city-states and kingdoms. By studying this map, one not only gains insight into Venice's grandeur but also a deeper understanding of how familial legacies can shape the course of history.

Published in 1720 in Amsterdam by Chatelain in his monumental ´Atlas Historique….´,  volume II.