This sharp period painting shows much of the pageantry of business affairs in the City-State of Venice. Crews of men are uniformed to identify their roles, as a gondolier team, pike-carrying guardsmen or feather-hatted heralds. The men in top hats and individual jackets are the prime players, continuing with their important discussions that carry right up to the last minute of departure. The shadows are growing longer in the early evening, which accentuates the form and forthrightness of the balustrades and columns of the palatial courtyard buildings. Domed churches are in view, and a variety of ship sizes as a sailing merchant or two competes with the gondolas. This is a fine composition of characters and architectural splendor.
