Italian School. Venice. Early 17th century.

Italian School. Venice. Early 17th century. 'Portrait of a Knight of the Council of Ten of Venice' Oil on panel. 112 x 81 cm. The Council of Ten was formed, as its name indicates, by ten members chosen annually by the 'Maggior Consiglio' or Great Council of Venice. It was active between 1310 and 1797, making it one of the highest governing bodies of the Republic of Venice for almost five centuries. Among its functions, it was to prevent threats to Venetian stability, as internal revolts, political corruption or foreign interference, with the ultimate aim of protecting the security of the Venetian State.