Venezia
2010
Venezia by Michael Kenna. First edition (2010). First impression. Large format slipcased hardback in as new condition. Signed by Michael Kenna to title page. There are some very minor markings to the slipcase.
About
Venezia is the crumbling jewel of Northern Italy, built completely on marshland. The city is steeped in history and imbued with romance. It is known as “The City of Light” and “Queen of the Adriatic,” and is tinged with dark intrigue, decadence and decay. Comprising 118 small islands, Venezia was a maritime power during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and a staging area for the Crusades. However, the city’s long decline began some 500 years ago. Here, Venezia survived two episodes of the Black Death. In addition to this, the city lost its thousand years of independence to Napoleon Bonaparte in 1797. As well as sinking slowly into the waters on which it is built. Although, all of this only adds to its mystique. This beautifully produced book brings together a collection of haunting images quietly made by Kenna over the last 30 years. Many of which are published here for the first time.