Procession of the Doge of Venice, anonymous, c. 1555 - c. 1560

paper, h 380mm × w 527mm More details

The processions of the Doge in Venice included six long silver trumpets. These legendary musical instruments, reserved exclusively for the Doge, were bestowed upon the city by Pope Alexander III in 1177 as a reward for the bravery of Doge Ziani, who defended the papacy against German invaders. The trumpets and their sound were a traditional symbol of authority, civic pride, and triumph.