Gondola 2016

digital photographic print on hanging canvas
80 in x 59 in

For centuries the gondola has been the chief means of transportation and most common watercraft within Venice. Every detail of the gondola has its own symbolism. The iron prow-head of the gondola, called "fero da prorà” or “dol fin“, is needed to balance the weight of the gondolier at the stern and has an “S” shape symbolic of the twists in the Canal Grande. Under the main blade there is a kind of comb with six teeth or prongs (“rebbi “) standing for the six “sestieri” of Venice. A kind of tooth jutting out backwards toward the centre of the gondola symbolises the island of Giudecca. The curved top signifies the Doge’s cap. The semi-circular break between the curved top and the six teeth is said to represent the Rialto Bridge. Sometimes three friezes can be seen in-between the six prongs, indicating the three main islands of the city: Murano, Burano and Torcello. In spite of the preservation of these ancient conventions, subtle details reveal the individual personalization of each gondola by its owner.

Gondola as a limited edition 100% silk shawl