A general view of the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge, seen from the rooftop of the Fondeco dei Tedeschi. Photo by Marco Secchi
Details
Camera MakeLeica Camera AG
Camera ModelLEICA M10
Focal Length35.0mm
Aperture f8
Shutter Speed1/30s
ISO1600
marco secchi
Islandness /
An island generally comes with a bit of mystery and fascination, probably for being so close between sea and land. You may have discovered it by pure coincidence. Sometime slowly slowly the island grows in you. As the time passes you feel closer, factors such as the island’s remoteness, boundedness, and insularity combine to create a state of “islandness” . Then suddenly one day, when you are not thinking, you discover a sense of belonging. That is where you want to spend the rest of your life.
You did not choose the island, the island finally had chosen you.
Procession of the Marie - Venice Carnival /
This feast has got very ancient origins and it is just related to a fact occurred many centuries ago. Since the dawn of the history of Venice on the Day of the Purification of Mary on the 2nd of February, it was the custom to consecrate all the marriages on one day and in the Episcopal seat of the time: St. Peter di Castello Cathedral. On the same day the marriages of twelve poor girls were consecrated: for such occasion they were sumptuously dressed and bejewelled, sometimes even with the jewels (borrowed) of the treasure of St. Mark. Just during one of such celebrations, probably in the year 973, the area was attacked by some pirates who abducted the brides with their jewels. People soon hastened to rescue and get back the precious jewellery and they victorious came back. And it is just in honour of such victory on the pirates that the Feast of the Marie was initiated, establishing the draw of the twelve young girls among the most beautiful ones and belonging to the low social classes, as well as the draw of the aristocrat families that would see to their dressing up for the occasion.
Once they were ready, on the established day, they reached the chief churches in Venice, while escorted by a procession of boats, in order to attend solemn religious ceremonies. Anywhere they went many refreshments with music and dancing were arranged, as the fact of approaching them was considered as a good omen. The importance of such feast, which during the years came to last even nine days, was so remarkable that it attracted many strangers too, who used to hasten in order to have the opportunity of admiring the wonderful girls. Just because the Venetians, and as above mentioned, not only Venetian people were more interested in courting the brides rather than watching the religious ceremonies, later they were replaced with not so desirable wooden statues. Obviously the male population reacted disdainfully and angrily because of such replacement, so that the Republic was obliged to issue, in 1349, a law which forbade the throwing of vegetables at the Procession of the wooden Marie!!
Venice Canvas and Fine Art Prints /
Venice Canvases, Photographs and Venetian Fine Art Prints featuring the Grand Canal, St. Mark's Square, the Bridge of Sighs, famous and unknown landmarks and Venetian Gondolas. These Venice Prints on Canvas are also available in larger sizes on request.You can now buy them directly here
http://www.photoshelter.com/swf/CSlideShow.swf?feedSRC=http%3A//archive.marcosecchi.com/gallery/Venice-Canvas-and-Fine-Art-Prints/G0000QwSlx6Flzbg%3Ffeed%3Djson<!--
Venice Canvas and Fine Art Prints - Images by Marco Secchi
Ever changing /
The Venetian Lagoon is an ever changing environment. By the sea, by the tides, by nature and especially by men that have sculptured this area since the very beginning.
The Island of San Clemente is an example of this concept on a single relatively small island. A monastery, an hospice, a military barracks, a mental asylum...now a 5* Luxury hotel! What next?
