influence worked more slowly here than on the mainland. The richest
and most elaborate work was built at this period. Finally the
Renaissance took the place of Gothic; and the later palaces, built in
this style, show strongly the debased condition into which the art of
Venice fell in the Dark Ages.

We have selected for the illustrations of this number of the BROCHURE
SERIES some of the most widely known examples of the fifteenth-century
Gothic palaces, built at the time when Venice was at the zenith of
prosperity as the principal commercial power of the world.




I.

SOUTHWEST ANGLE OF THE DUCAL PALACE, VENICE.


Although the Ducal Palace is much larger than the other palaces of
Venice, and intended for general civic uses as well as a residence for
the Duke or Doge, it follows closely the type already described. It
has undergone so many changes since its first foundation in about the
year 800 (813 according to Ruskin), having been destroyed five times,
and as often re-erected in grander style, besides having been added to
and the dilapidated portions restored, that it is impossible to assign
a comprehensive date to cover the building of the present structure.
In fact, the earliest portion was gradually added to, carrying it
further and further around the quadrangle until it reached the point
of beginning, when this process was repeated, partially replacing