Byzantium style, Venice, Italy (2006 – negative film)
Measurements: Black wood frame, 19” x 25 ¾”. Image: 12” x 18”
Matte & Paper: 4 ply, white. Hahnemuhle archival paper
Photo #0121
 
Venice and Byzantium (also known as Constantinople or Istanbul) have a long and complex history. Byzantium was the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, which was also known as the Byzantium Empire. Venice was a city-state located in northeastern Italy. Despite being located in different parts of Europe, the two cities had significant contact and interaction throughout their histories.
 
One of the man ways that Byzantium and Venice were connected was through trade. Venice was a major maritime power and played a key role in the trade routes that connected Europe with the Middle East and Asia. As a result, Venice had a close relationship with Byzantium, which was a major hub of trade and commerce in the Eastern Mediterranean. Venice also had a number of colonies and trading posts in the Byzantium Empire, including in the Black Sea and on the coast of Greece.
 
Another way that Byzantium and Venice were connected was through culture and art. Venice was influence by Byzantine art and architecture, and many Venetian buildings and works of art show the influence of Byzantium styles. Similarly, Byzantine art and architecture were influence by Venetian styles, and there are examples of Byzantine building and works of art that show Venetian influence.
 
Despite these connections, Byzantium and Venice were often in competition with each other, particularly in the realm of trade and politics. The two cities sometimes had strained relations, and they were often at odds over issues such as control of trade routes and the division of territory.