Guest Challenge: Symbolism
The Venetian Gondola
The shiny, sleek keel-less vessels navigating the winding waterways of Venice, might not be the choice of transport of its diminished local population any longer, but they remain the most familiar visual identifiers of the city. Cliched symbols inextricably linked to its cultural identity. Perhaps more universally recognised than its monumental components.
While a selfie on a romantic cruise is a mandatory ‘must do’ on most Venice itineraries, few tourists are aware of the gondola’s history or the symbolism inherent in its design.
The earliest known ancestors of the present gondole were large, multi-oared boats with little ornamentation. By the fifteenth century they shrank considerably in size, acquiring vibrant awnings, ornate seating and plush upholstery. Within a century, they evolved into sleeker, sumptuous and colourful showpieces of wealthy aristocrats, until a 17th century egalitarian Doge’s edict decreed the uniform black enamel and the precise dimensions of 10.87m by 1.42 m. The only change since has been the lengthening of the left side by 24cm to counterbalance the gondoliers weight and rowing action. This late 19th century refinement gives the craft its characteristic list along with its current fluidity of motion.
Each gondola assembled from 280 components is handcrafted from eight types of natural wood. Each is fitted to individual gondoliers, with unique and detachable rowlocks – forcola – carved to the gondoliers personal specifications. And each incorporates visual metaphors in its elegant design embellishments.
The sinuous shape of the heavy iron prow the ferro di prora, is said to mimic the Grand Canal itself. Its distinctive blade, the Doge’s cap. The six prongs (rebbi) beneath, depict the six sestieri (neighbourhoods), and the lone prong opposite (risso di poopa), the island of Giudecca. The other iconic symbol of the city, the Rialto bridge, is represented by the tiny arch between the ‘cap’ and the prongs!
With the number of vessels plying the canals down to a few hundred from some 10,000 at the end of the 16th century, and just three squeri (shipwright) working overtime to replace aged craft, this most beautiful boat in the world faces the risk of fading into the pages of history. Regardless of the fact that it only ferries tourists today, Venice would not be Venice without its gondole.
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Especially written for Paula’s Thursday Special challenge – Symbolism. I am honoured to be hosting today’s challenge…..thank you very much Paula!
Lost in Translation 
Very interesting and lovely photos. Venice is on my list of “want to visit” places! 🙂
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Thank you Linda. Hope you get there soon! 🙂
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Fascinating facts here – thanks Madhu
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Thank you Debbie.
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Reblogged this on Find it, Keep it.
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You excel your excellent self, Madhu. I’m obviously going to have to visit Venice. Such a visit will be enriched by what you’ve told in this post, along with your superb photos.
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Aww, thank you for the kind words Meg! I have always been captivated by those seductive boats. The trivia enhanced my enjoyment of them on my return visit.
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I agree with you, Meg 🙂 I am so lucky that Madhu accepted my invitation to host here.
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loved all the pics of venice. really nice and you got them at the right time of day. its perfect venice. xoxox
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Thank you. I was disappointed with the light though. It was grey and cloudy most of the time.
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Great job of the formatting Paula! You are right, I do need to include more images online! 😀 Thanks again for inviting me to host this challenge.
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I was afraid you would not like it 🙂 Thanks for everything, Madhu.
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I love it! Thank YOU Paula.
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Hello, Madhu. Lovely to find you here. And a very fascinating presentation, delving under the surface of things.
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Hello Tish, likewise! Look forward to seeing your entry 🙂
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I can’t imagine the craziness on the Grand Canal when there were 10,000 gondolas!
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And multi-coloured ones at that!! Must have been quite a sight 🙂
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Excellent captures – I really love Venice – and right so much symbolism in Venice… 😀
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True. Every inch of that city seems to have stories to tell. Thanks Drake 🙂
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Exquisite photos, well informed writing ! As usual, such a delight to read Madhu’s posts. True, Venice would not be Venice…..without the Gondoliers and the tourists..who keep them going.
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Thank you very much Veena.
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This is a gorgeous take on the challenge, Madhu. You show us beautiful captures of iconic Venice, meaning so much to so many of us. ❤
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Hard to escape the seductive charms of that city Dina! 🙂 Thank you for reading.
PS: Might have accidentally deleted your comment when I deleted the re-blog on my site. Apologies 🙂
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Brilliant topic. I had to think for a while, but then it dawned on my how symbolic tulips are: http://travelwithintent.com/2015/04/30/tulip-festival-lale-istanbul/
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The tulips were a clever interpretation. Thanks for the education 🙂
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Lovely pics, great insight! 🙂
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Thank you! 🙂
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Cool. Thanks for all the info Madhu.
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I had a perfect post in my drafts folder for this challenge: https://artishorseshit.wordpress.com/2015/04/30/taj-mahal-hindustan/
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Yes, it is perfect 🙂
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Thank YOU for the lovely response Cardinal!
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No, thank YOU for the great challenge and post Madhu!
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A fabulous post, Madhu. I had no idea of the history and intricacies of design of these iconic craft. Love your photos. They took me right back to Venice as I sit here eating my breakfast. Oh for a means of instant transportation! 🙂
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Indeed! Glad this stirred fond memories Sylvia 🙂
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An outstanding post. The gondola is part of the Venetian charm, and your story behind the vessel is outstanding. Many thanks.
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Thank YOU for reading and for your lovely comment Frank.
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I really need to go to Venice! Lovely.
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And I really need to go back! 😀 Thank you Kemi 🙂
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Very interesting story… I have some nice shots of Venice too… Lovely place to visit.
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It is. Would love to see your photos Lumar.
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You know I love every word you write and every photo you take Madhu!
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So glad you do dearest Gilly. Grateful for your friendship 🙂
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Ii enjoyed the tour.
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Glad you did, thank you Ian 🙂
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Interesting symbols and their connections, Madhu. There must be prestige in this occupation in that that the boat and gondolier are fitted for each other. Not many boat builders left, either.
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No. And not everyone can be a gondolier. Its a skilled and rather exclusive job. But therein lies the appeal I think, as well as the risk 🙂
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Thanks for the great virtual trip to Venice!
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You are most welcome 🙂
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Wonderful captures of one of my favorite spots in the world. Interesting to hear more of the history of the iconic gondola. Definitely symbolic of beautiful Venice.
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Thank you Sue. I know many people who hate Venice and I cannot imagine why! 🙂
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Beautiful photos and I learnt something new today about the gondolas
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Thank you Raewyn.
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Beautiful shots and scenes of Venice…brings this mythical place to life.
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Thank you very much Randall.
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Enjoyed this post very much – and so many tasty shares from Madhu. Also, Paula – you are so nice the way you promote and support bloggers through this feature – the way you honor them is just cool. 🙂 but enough of that – back to this post – I liked all the unique details that I do not often see when people share photos from Vencie.
Liked learning tidbits like this “Each gondola assembled from 280 components is handcrafted from eight types of natural wood. Each is fitted to individual gondoliers” and I like the floe up details – like the blue and white design on the pillows – of that black shaggy stuff in the photo in the slide show.
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Ah yes, Paula is a generous soul! 🙂 Thank you for your thoughtful response Yvette.
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VERY interesting. I like it when someone gets inside of a place, or a thing, and gives us maybe some history, or other detail that brings it off the page and into our minds in a way more than simply “I did this on vacation.” You always do!
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I am flattered! Thank you Mr.Badfish! 🙂
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Wonderful Photographs 🙂
Venice is on my bucket list, just got moved up again 🙂
Thank you for sharing your art, they’re beautiful
Take Care…You Matter…
)0(
maryrose
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Hello Maryrose. Thank you for commenting on Madhu’s guest post. I have a question for you – what is the meaning of your emoticon )0( ?
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Great information. I am a sucker for Venice (mostly the back streets), but we only use the vaporetti when we go, and admire the gondole from afar.
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Me too 🙂
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Me too! Never got on one this trip 🙂
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Fantastic, Madhu! Talk about coming up with the goods! Amazing post- I doff my gondolier’s cap to you 🙂
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A proud history, and impressive symbolism.
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