While our images are electronically watermarked, the antique prints themselves are not.

Canals in the Giudecca Island ONG48 $185
Each print measures approximately 14 inches by 21 1/4 inches

It is with great pleasure that we present these hauntingly beautiful original photogravures of a bygone era in Venice, from the first and only Italian edition of Calli E Canali in Venezia. Ferdinando Ongania was an antiquarian book seller, with a shop in St. Mark's Square, Venice. His love of Venice inspired him to record the architecture of his beloved city, but Calli E Canali in Venezia was surely his masterpiece. St Mark's Museum in Venice had an exhibit in 2011 celebrating Ongania's work.

These beautiful, finely produced original photogravures on creamy, luxurious thick paper reveal a Venice of a bygone era that has been lost forever. It captures a more serene time in the nineteenth century before the annual invasion of 15 million tourists that the city now experiences. The luminous photogravures, in subtle black and sepia tones, portray an idyllic world of palazzos, canals, and bridges where scenes of enchanting beauty were part of everyday life.

These photogravures capitalized on two major photographic advances of the time to capture images that were simply impossible before this point in history. Never before could a photographer capture people in motion until the 1880's and in 1878 Czech painter Karel Klic refined the photogravure process to improve image clarity and detail to the breathtaking levels seen in this work. So great was Karel's process that it has never been improved upon.

Full margins are not shown in these images, to see one print showing the full margins click here.

Each print measures approximately 14 inches by 21 1/4 inches and the paper is of the highest quality, with each photogravure being entirely without flaws, with a strong plate mark and protected by tissue. It is a rare and handsome work, usually only seen in reproduction, and a delightful addition to our inventory.

We accept credit cards & PayPal. Florida state residents pay Florida state sales tax. Shipping for this item is $12.95. Items can be combined to save on postage. International shipping starts at $40, but may be more depending on the size of the prints and the country. Buyers are responsible for all customs duties. Our environment is smoke free. We pack professionally using only new materials. All items are beautifully wrapped and suitable for sending directly as gifts. You may return any item within 14 days if not satisfied. To order, you may call us at 1-888-PANTEEK, or send email to panteek@aol.com

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