Venice and the Ottoman Empire: a tale of art, culture, and exchange

Uittreksel

"Accompanying a major traveling exhibition, this book examines the unique artistic and cultural exchange between the Republic of Venice and Turkish Ottoman culture and identity over three centuries. From the early Renaissance to the end of the eighteenth century, Venice held a central position in the global trade network, acting as a gateway for the exchange of goods, ideas, and artistic influences between East and West. This book explores how Ottoman artistic and cultural elements were absorbed and reinterpreted in Venetian art, from the decorative arts to printed books, painting, ceramics, and metalwork. This period saw the rise of a wealthy mercantile class that embraced and popularized Islamic art-derived patterns on a large scale, influencing local craftsmanship and leading to the production of imitation works. Featuring a diverse selection from the collections of the Musei Civici di Venezia, this volume showcases the creative contributions of well-known artists such as Vittore Carpaccio, Gentile Bellini, Michele Giambono, and Mariano Fortuny alongside works created by the best anonymous artisans both in Venice and the Ottoman Empire, including textiles, metalwork, armor, and ceramics. Enriched by newly researched essays from esteemed international scholars, this significant volume offers fresh perspectives on the intricate relationship between Venice and the Ottoman Empire, shedding light on their diplomatic strategies, intelligence efforts, and the pivotal role of dragomans (diplomatic translators). Individual figures like Francesco Morosini are highlighted, showcasing the dual nature of Venetian-Ottoman relations, marked by both conflict and mutual respect. Additional essays delve into topics such as trade routes, shared economic interests, textiles, fashion, and the Venetian printing press's impact on public perceptions of the Ottoman Empire. Notable among these is the riveting account of the Gnalić shipwreck, which unveils the intricacies of sixteenth-century trade between Venice and Constantinople. Enhanced by extensive color plates, detailed illustrations, and a selection of Venetian and Ottoman culinary recipes, this comprehensive volume offers a nuanced exploration of the dynamic exchange between two influential powers, illuminating their enduring legacy on global art and culture" -- Dust jacket.

Inhoud

Forewards / Luigi Brugnaro and Mariacristina Gribaudi -- Introduction / Stefano Carboni -- Venetian paintings with textiles and carpets as evidence of trade and diplomatic relations with the Ottomans / Günsel Renda and Naz Defne Kut -- Venice and the Ottoman Empire in black and white / Trinita Kennedy -- From Rabeschi to Alla Turchesca : inspiration, imitation, and house display during the "Ottoman" period in Venice / Julian Raby and Stefano Carboni -- Diplomatic relations through trade, peace, and conflict: the doge, the sultan, the bailo, the ambassador, the dragoman / Anastasia Stouraiti -- The shipwreck at Gnalić : a mirror to the renaissance world / Irena Radić Rossi and Mauro Bondioli -- Two worlds in dialogue : luxury textiles between Venice and Istanbul / Chiara Squarcina -- Francesco Morosini : military leader and collector of Ottoman art and artifacts / Camillo Tonini -- Mariano Fortuny and the revival of Ottoman textiles and patterns / Wendy Ligon Smith -- Shared fortunes, shared foods / Priscilla Mary Işın.