1721 Copper Engraving Portrait Francesco Erizzo Doge Republic Venice Italy EUM2

This is an original 1721 black and white copper engraving of "Francesco Erizo Doge." This is a portrait of Francesco Erizzo, the 98th Doge of Venice, reigning from 1631 to 1646. The final year of his reign as Doge saw the beginning of war with the Ottoman Empire for control of Crete that would last for twenty-four years and come to dominate the geopolitics of the Mediterranean. The Doge of Venice, which is often mistranslated as "Duke," was the chief magistrate and leader of the Most Serene Republic of Venice. The Doge was the senior-most elected official of Venice and Genoa, as both cities were republics and elected Doges. The portrait is surrounded by a wonderful decorative motif mimicking a frame set against an etched background. The design features a subtly ornate frame with two sets of drapes resting atop a base with a decorative broach-like oval framed by two additional cherubs draped in a botanical design. This piece is accompanied by the original German biographical text