RecordModel, of gondola< 1 of 1 > Back from Venice
Model, of gondolaThis wooden model of a Venetian gondola from 1879 was made by an official of the Arsenal of Venice. It is built to a scale of 1:12. A gondola like this would have carried from two to four persons. The iron prow or 'ferro' at the bow was made of iron to counterbalance the weight of the oarsman or gondolier at the stern. The 'ferro' was also used as a yardstick to judge the height of Venice's low bridges. Gondolas are mentioned in writings as early as 1094. Until 1562 they were noted for their bright colours and gilding but after that date, only gondolas of state were allowed to be brightly coloured. Passenger-carrying gondolas were restricted to having black exteriors. Record detailsTo search on related items, click any linked text below.
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