Napoleon I's visit to Venice, 28 November to 8 December, 1807: The Emperor presiding over the regatas on the Grand Canal from the balcony in Palazzo Baldi, the race finish line, 2 December, 1807.
“On 2 December, the Emperor was present at the launch of a frigate at the arsenal and then for two hours presided over the regata races. A regata is series of three gondola races. The first is for single-manned gondolas; the second and third for two-man gondolas. The course is the canal which crosses the whole length of the city. The beautiful peottas* which the Emperor used for his entrance herded the crowds of boats and prepared the route for the racing gondolas. His Majesty took up his position, with his entire court, on the balcony on a Palazzo [Baldi] commanding a view of the canal and at the foot of which ran the finishing line.” (Le Moniteur, 11 December, 1807)
*Peotta: a large boat, typically used in the Adriatic.
The Emperor presiding over the regatas on the Grand Canal from the balcony in Palazzo Baldi, the race finish line, 2 December, 1807
Artist(s) : BORSATO Giuseppe
