Allegory of Venice and the Doge's Palace, miniature from the Passion of Saint Maurice and his companions by Jacopo Antonio Marcello, Giovanni Bellini, circa 1453

Part of a life and passion of st. Maurice sent from venetian nobleman and provveditore, jacopo antonio marcello to king rene. The elephant has a huge structure on its back, representing the venetian ducal palace. The top banner, intended to express venetian sentiment, reads: "i acknowledge that you sustained me when i was falling. " the lower banner, intended to represent marcello, reads: "i deny this for it is by divine power that you escaped. ". Object Type: illuminated manuscript. Date: circa 1453. Dimensions: height: 18.7 cm (7.3 in); width: 13 cm (5.1 in). Medium: illumination on parchment. Collection: Bibliothèque de l'Arsenal. Passion de saint Maurice - Arsenal940 - Allégorie de Venise f39r