1721 Copper Engraving Portrait Leonardo Dona Donato Doge Republic Venice EUM2

This is an original 1721 black and white copper engraving of "Leonardus Donatus Doge." This is a portrait of Leonardo Donࢰ (or Donato), the 90th Doge of Venice, reigning from 1606 to 1612. 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 against a wonderfully etched background. It features two lions flanking a cherub resting above an angelic face at the top of the print. From the corners appears a cascading grape vine design that flows downward, undulating past two grotesque heads, and framing the sides of the portrait. Upon the base of the frame two dragons sit at the corners, while an ornate, broach-like oval is found in the center, flanked by two additional cherubs. CONDITIONThis 290+ year old Item is r