Photographing Venice – Transforming decaying walls into art.
Photographing Venice – Transforming decaying walls into art. The effects of time, moisture and microorganisms, on its brick and stucco walls.
This post is in two parts: 1. An outline of general information about building materials used in Venice, causes of deterioration in walls, restoration efforts and how you can support preservation efforts. 2. A visual feast of selected images, specifically demonstrating the effects of time, damp, pollutants and the growth of microorganisms, on the brick and stucco walls of Venice.
What materials are commonly used in Venetian architecture?
Transition from wood to brick and stone buildings
Deterioration of Venice’s brick and stucco (plaster) walls.
Restoration efforts in Venice.
How can tourists support preservation efforts while visiting Venice?
Photographed over the span of four decades, this post also presents a visual feast of images, specifically demonstrating the effects of time, damp, pollutants and the growth of microorganisms, on the brick and stucco walls of Venice.
Photo-Tips
A Poem – “The Walls of Venice”
Links (interenal–external)
Photographing Venice – Transforming decaying walls into art. What materials are commonly used in Venetian architecture?
Venetian architecture is celebrated for its distinctive combination of materials, selected for both their longevity and visual appeal. These materials not only shape the city’s unique aesthetic, but also mirror its historical and cultural ties; notably to Byzantine and Moorish influences. The most commonly utilized materials include:
- 1. Brick: Valued for its accessibility and practicality, it forms the core structure of many Venetian buildings. These bricks were typically crafted from clay found on “Terraferma”, the mainland part of the Venetian Republic; which included including the Veneto, Friuli, and areas like Istria (now part of Croatia). This clay was combined with water to form a pliable paste, to which sand and organic substances like straw were incorporated, to enhance the texture and minimize shrinkage when fired. The clay mix was then shaped using wooden molds, to achieve consistent size and form. These bricks were air-dried to eliminate excess moisture, a vital step to avert cracking. Subsequently, the bricks were fired at elevated temperatures in kilns, a process that solidified them and endowed them with their notable strength and longevity. The presence of iron oxides in the clay imparted the bricks with their distinctive reddish hue.
- 2. Stucco: Typically layered over brick, stucco (plaster) offers a sleek, ornamental coating that can be coloured or molded. Distinct layers of plaster can be commonly seen, often revealing different decorative colour coatings and areas of applied graffiti.
- 3. Istrian Stone: This robust and water-resistant limestone, sourced from the Istrian Peninsula, is extensively employed for base (foundation) structures, exteriors, and ornamental details.
- 4. Wood: Timber piles, obtained from resinous trees and driven deep into the lagoon’s bed, form the foundation for many structures, ensuring stability in the marshy terrain. As time passes, the wood becomes stone-like due to the crystallization of minerals from the saltwater within it. In Venice, the wooden piles used for building foundations were primarily made of oak, mountain fir, or larch. The oak was sourced from several regions, including the areas around Treviso, Friuli, and Istria. Additionally, mountain fir and larch, were sourced from Valsugana, Bassano, and Cadore. The wood was transported to Venice via rivers like the Adige, Brenta, and Piave, where logs were tied together into rafts and floated down to the city. Also, it was sourced from Republic’s Istrian region (now part of Croatia). These woods were was chosen for their durability and strength, especially under water, where they could last for centuries without decaying. Timber was also used for ceiling rafters, because of its lighter weight and ability to move with temperature fluctuation.
- 5. Marble: Valued for its elegance and distinction and properties of water and scratch resistance; marble is frequently incorporated in the more lavish buildings and ecclesiastical structures. It eventually needs cleaning and in some extreme cases subject to removal and desalinization techniques. Venice sourced its marble from several regions, both locally and internationally. Some of the primary sources included: Carrara, Italy, known for its high-quality white marble. The Istrian region also provided a dense, durable limestone. After the conquest of Constantinople in 1204, Venice brought back, a variety of different coloured and precious marbles from the Byzantine Empire.
- 6. Glass: Venice is renowned for its glassmaking, especially from Murano. Glass features prominently in fenestration, light fixtures, and ornamental components.
Transition from wood to brick and stone buildings
The transition from wooden to stone and brick architecture, began around the 12th century. Fire in Venice was a constant problem with wood construction. The wonderful Venetian chimney-pots were designed to reduce sparks. Early industries, such as iron and glass foundries were moved out of the historic centre, to other lagoon islands.
The use of bricks had a significant impact on Venetian construction and shaped the distinctive and resilient architecture that Venice is famous for today.
1. Durability: Whilst not as durable and water resistant as marble or Istrian stone, bricks provided a building material that could better withstand climate fluctuations and salt-water environment of the lagoon. They provided a good base for finishing in stucco.
2. Weight: Bricks are lighter than stone, which was crucial for building on the unstable, marshy land of Venice. This helped prevent sinking and closely packed buildings further helped stability.
3. Aesthetic Flexibility: Bricks allowed for more intricate and decorative designs. Venetian architects could create detailed facades and patterns, contributing to the city’s unique architectural style.
4. Fire Resistance: Bricks are more fire-resistant than wood, which was important in a densely built city like Venice. The transition from wooden to stone and brick architecture began around the 12th century.
5. Economic Efficiency: Bricks were more economical to produce and transport compared to stone, making construction more cost-effective.
Photographing Venice – Transforming decaying walls into art. Deterioration of Venice’s brick and stucco (plaster) walls
Deterioration, is largely due to the city’s distinctive environmental conditions in the lagoon. These elements together pose a significant challenge to the preservation of Venice’s historic edifices. Continuous efforts are made to conserve and rehabilitate these structures, yet the city’s exceptional circumstances render it an ongoing and costly struggle.
Analysis of historical Venetian bricks, show them to have a high mineral content, which together with the damp climate of Venice, high flood tides, and pollutants; creates an ideal environment for microorganisms to thrive. They typically contain a significant amount of silica (40-60%), alumina (11-19%), alkaline-earth metals like calcium oxide and magnesium oxide (16+%), and are also moderately rich in iron oxide (4-8%).
The growth of microorganisms on brick buildings in Venice is influenced by the presence of minerals like iron oxides, that produce red and yellow pigments, and calcium and magnesium salts that produce white pigments. The growth of these microorganisms can lead to discoloration and staining of the brick surfaces and over time; can contribute to the deterioration of the bricks, potentially leading to structural damage, if not properly managed.
Key factors include:
1. High Humidity and Moisture: Situated on a lagoon, Venice is perpetually subject to high humidity and moisture levels. This leads to water absorption in materials, causing rising damp and salt crystallization inside the walls.
2. Saltwater Exposure: Lagoon saltwater seeps into porous materials such as brick and stucco. As the water evaporates, it leaves salt crystals that expand, making the materials fracture and disintegrate.
3. Pollution: The degradation of building materials is furthered by air pollution, especially from boats and industrial activities. This pollution can chemically interact with material surfaces, weakening the structures.
4. Frequent Flooding: Known as “acqua alta,” these periods extreme flood tides, in late autumn and winter in Venice; introduces additional saltwater and pollutants, accelerating the damage to buildings.
5. Temperature Fluctuations: Daily and seasonal temperature variations cause materials to expand and contract, leading to cracks and further decay.
Restoration efforts in Venice.
Restoration efforts in Venice are extensive and multifaceted, aiming to preserve the city’s unique architectural heritage while addressing the challenges posed by its environment. These efforts are crucial for preserving Venice’s cultural and historical heritage for future generations. The work is ongoing and requires a combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. Here are some key aspects of these efforts:
1. Structural Reinforcement: Many buildings are being reinforced with modern materials and techniques to ensure their stability. This includes the use of stainless steel and carbon fibre, to strengthen foundations and walls.
2. Waterproofing and Drainage: Advanced waterproofing techniques are being employed to protect buildings from rising damp and saltwater intrusion. Improved drainage systems are also being installed to manage the frequent flooding.
3. Material Conservation: Specialized conservation methods are used to treat and preserve the original materials. This often involves cleaning, desalination, and the application of biocides, protective coatings and repointing deteriorated mortar.
4. Monitoring and Maintenance: Continuous monitoring of the buildings’ conditions is crucial. Sensors and other technologies are used to track moisture levels, structural integrity, and other factors. Regular maintenance is carried out based on these data.
5. Environmental Management: Efforts are also being made to manage the environmental factors contributing to the deterioration. This includes measures to reduce pollution and control the impact of heavy local boat traffic and especially large cruise ships.
6. Community Involvement: Local communities and organizations are actively involved in the restoration projects. This ensures that the efforts are sustainable and culturally sensitive.
7. International Collaboration: Venice benefits from international expertise and funding. Organizations like UNESCO and various universities contribute to research and restoration projects.
How can tourists support preservation efforts while visiting Venice?
Tourists can play a crucial in the conservation efforts of Venice. These measures can contribute to preserving Venice as a captivating and vibrant destination for future generations.The following are some methods to assist:
1. Respect Local Guidelines: Adhere to the guidelines and rules established by local authorities and preservation groups, which include avoiding touching or climbing on historical structures and honouring restricted areas.
2. Support Sustainable Tourism: Opt for eco-friendly lodging and transport. Consider staying in local hotels and using public transport or walking, rather than motorized boats.
3. Donate to Preservation Funds: Contribute to organizations committed to preserving Venice’s heritage. Your donations can aid restoration efforts. Seek out reputable groups like Save Venice Inc. or the Venice in Peril Fund.
4. Participate in Educational Tours: Engage in tours that emphasize Venice’s history and preservation. These tours often donate a part of their earnings to conservation and increase awareness of the city’s preservation needs.
5. Reduce Environmental Impact: Be conscious of your ecological footprint. Refrain from littering, use refillable water bottles, and limit plastic usage. Small measures can lessen pollution and safeguard the fragile ecosystem.
6. Support Local Artisans: Buy from local craftsmen. This bolsters the economy and preserves the traditional skills integral to Venice’s cultural legacy.
7. Spread Awareness: Communicate the significance of preservation efforts. Informing others, can encourage broader support for Venice’s distinctive environment and history.
Photographing Venice – Transforming decaying walls into art. A collection of my favourite images
Photographed over the span of four decades, I choose images that specifically showcase the the effects of time, damp, pollutants and overgrowth of micro-organisms; on the brick and stucco walls of Venice. All photographs were taken in winter, when atmospheric dampness, rain and acqua alta; all act to increase the colour saturation and textural effects of the decaying plaster and brickwork and bacterial overgrowth. These walls really come to life! Simply placing a stone in water, demonstrates this effect.
In some of the images, you can see that the limestone foundation blocks that rest above the wooden piles, extend above the street paving level.
As mentioned previously, these Venetian bricks are rich in minerals. Microrganisms form red and yellow pigments from iron oxide, and white pigments from calcium and magnesium salts. Under the right conditions, it’s surprising just how thick, the overgrowth can be; giving almost a three-dimensional effect to the image. Notice how as the walls dry out, the organisms die off and give a greyish tone to the brickwork. In the warmer and dryer months, the effect is so much reduced, that you are much more likely to walk past such scene.
It’s always fascinates me, how foci of stucco fall off, in such a random, but pictorial manner! Also note, how most walls have built up several layers of plaster over time, which easily separate and flake off. They can pick up different colours from the underlying brickwork, as well as from various decorative paint applications and also applied graffiti. Notice how damp dramatically changes the colours of the street granite block pavers, revealing the different types of coloured stone used. Applications of salt in freezing conditions, also tends over time, to give a “glaze” to the paver blocks.
Photo-Tips
For taking these types of images, I prefer to photograph the scenes head on, and in flat and even lighting conditions; to give the most impact. Heavy shadows across the image, tend to spoil this type imagery. Also, with this technique, you don’t need so much depth of field, to retain sharpness across the image plane, and can use a faster shutter speed.
In winter in the narrow backstreets, they are often in shade and quite dark, so a tripod or monopod is essential to get a reasonably sharp image. If not, make sure to use anti-vibration software in the lenses or camera body, if available.
If you have to tilt your camera up or down, or are not quite square on, I have learnt to give a bit more space around the viewfinder image; in order to correct any vertical or horizontal distortions in your processing software.
The first four images are from the same scene (San Marcuola church next to the vaporetto stop of the same name, on the Grand Canal); showing varying degrees of abstraction of the whole scene.
Note, the removal and addition of the church’s exterior elements, different layers of stucco and colouration, the different colouration on the exposed brickwork with overgrowth of microrganisms. Time, moisture, and the foci of exposed brickwork, appear to reflect the island nature of Venice.
Good and Evil – concentrating on the pale stucco, you can make out and imagine biomorphic forms (a man’s head and a creature wielding a club), raging against the Christian symbolism. The red pigmented brickwork, could represent the “fires of hell”.
A greater degree of abstraction. It’s really fascinating how the stucco flakes off in such a pictorial manner and notice the tones of the block pavers starting to dry out.
Finally, a more abstracted image, showing biomorphic forms, suggestive of small animal-like figures.
The rest I will leave to your imagination…..
Just to end this post – here’s my poem entitled, “The Walls of Venice”
In Venice, where the waters gently flow,
The walls of brick and stucco softly glow.
With time’s embrace, they wear a cloak of age,
A tapestry of stories on each page.
The bricks, once bold, now softened by the years,
Hold whispers of old laughter, silent tears.
Stucco, peeling, reveals the past’s embrace,
A dance of shadows on its weathered face.
Each crack and crevice, filled with colour seen,
Speaks of the love and life that once had been.
The walls, they crumble, yet with such romance,
As if they waltz in time’s unending dance.
Beneath the arches, where the echoes play,
The ghosts of yesteryears come out to stay.
In every flake of plaster, every line,
The beauty of decay becomes divine.
Gondolas drift on moonlit, silver streams,
While walls recount their ancient, faded dreams.
In Venice, where decay and beauty meet,
The romance of the past is bittersweet.
So let us wander through these streets so old,
Where every wall has tales of love untold.
In Venice, where the past and present blend,
The walls of brick and stucco never end.
Links (interenal–external)
The flood disaster of 1966 elicited a worldwide surge of support and funding, highlighting the globally acknowledged need to conserve Venice’s art and architecture for posterity. Notable contributions came from these entities linked below:
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
My other photography based posts:
Graffiti and Street Art in Venice
The Street Artist Blub in Venice
Depicting Venice – Ian Coulling
Depicting Venice 2 – Ian Coulling
Photographing Venice – Transforming decaying walls into art. Photographing Venice – Transforming decaying walls into art. Photographing Venice – Transforming decaying walls into art.