The Treasures of the "Accademia" Picture-Gallery in Venice [antikvár]

The origins of the " Accademia " are closely bound up with the political events which put an end to the long and glorious existence of the Venetian Republic. After the annexation of Venice to the " Regno Itálico " (Treaty of Pressburg, 26 December 1805), the former academy of painting and sculpture was reorganized on a new basis. The statutes promulgated by the viceregal decree of 12 February 1807 included provisions for a " hall of sculpture" and a " picture-gallery in addition to the existing schools. The hall of sculpture contained for the most part plaster casts acquired by Abate Filippo Farsetti from the Austrian government and intended for the instruction of students. The picture-gallery included paintings presented by the academicians. The institution of the two collections was in pursuance of a didactic aim, but at the same time a " Keeper " was appointed, and practically speaking this was a recognition of a certain autonomy. The first holder of this new post was Pietro Edwards, a pupil, member and president of the old academy, who had rendered valuable services both before and after the fall of the Republic, by his zeal for the preservation of the artistic patrimony of Venice. The promulgation of the new statutes was soon followed by an order dated 9 March 1807, whereby the Viceroy decided to give the institute more ample and dignified accommodation. Originally, under the direction of Piazzetta (1750) and the presidency of Giam-battista Tiepolo (1756), the academy had been accommodated in the Fonteghetto della Farina, near St. 5