Gondolas (2)
I know Pierre posted a photo of gondolas a few days ago, but this is Venice - everyone has a gondola picture. These were arranged in a particularly symmetrical way, which was quite eye-catching.You may know that gondolas have been black since a Sumptuary Decree of 1562. Old photographs show that there used to be a detachable cabin, called a felze, to protect passengers in bad weather. Do you know what a ganzer is? It's easy to find out these days with Google or any other search-engine.
There has been a ruling that gondolas in Venice will no longer be made with plywood, even though it lasts longer and needs less maintenance. So they will continue to be made of 280 parts and eight different types of wood.
posted by Bert at 1:13 AM
11 Comments:
Didn't know any of this information. Thanks!
Just love the colours and the lights, the composition IS really eye-catching
like crossed swords. beautiful.
They didn't tell me about the use of different pieces of wood when I was there last May! Thanks for the info and the pictures.
Actually, I do know what a ganzer is (how to retire without actually retiring). The way these gondole are parked does my OCD copy editor's heart good! May I assume that this is not the Bacino Orseolo?
Sorry, Alexa, you may not make that assumption.
I have read that 8, 9 or 10 types of wood are used, but most sources say 8 (fir, cherry, mahogany, larch, walnut, oak, lime, elm). Beech and pine are also mentioned by some sources. Also 4 coats of paint in one book, 7 coats of lacquer in another.
Did you personally arrange all these gondolas, Bert? We'd not really be surprised, we know the lengths you'll go to for a good image! - and this most certainly is one. Agree ( as usual) with Alexa about the arrangment. Are you sure it's only 8 types of wood? ..... How about posting a pic or two of the gondola workshops, we're sure you'll have some. Thanks.
I did say I've read of 8, 9 and 10 types of wood being used - not counting plywood!
Sorry to disappoint you, Andante, but I've never had the good fortune to be invited into a gondola workshop or squero. You'll have to visit Yvonne's blog (Hello World) to see one. The Tramontin squero has a website: http://www.tramontingondole.it/ing-gondola.htm which should tell you more than you need to know.
Oh you're right, nice repetition. Lovely.
Oops—I see that you're right, Bert. That's the Hotel Cavaletti back there. Well, I still like this neat arrangement better than the haphazard one from a few days ago. :~}
Great shot.
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