Alle origini del reimpiego di scultura antica a Venezia. Il contesto marciano

The reuse of classical antiquities in Venice has different forms and times from those of most Italian cities. Characteristic of the Venetian way to reuse is the possibility of using material coming from all over the Mediterranean sea. This paper focuses on the columns of Marco and Todaro, probably erected in the Piazzetta during the 13th century: it is a composite monument, made up of two giant monolithic granite shafts, the bronze lion of San Marco, and a statue obtained from two ancient sculptures integrated with contemporary additions. The monument illustrates the talent of the Venetians in combining elements of heterogeneous function, date and origin. A document from the early 14th century opens up unprecedented perspectives on aspects such as the relationships between military and merchant ships and the main governing bodies of the Republic.