Vincenzo Dotto. Padova circondata dalle muraglie vecchie (Padua, 1623)

Vincenzo Dotto (1572–1629)
Padova circondata dalle muraglie vecchie
Padua, 1623
Copperplate engraving on paper
[Sheet size: 21 x 15 3/4 in.]

This detailed 1623 copperplate engraving by Vincenzo Dotto presents a rare and evocative view of Padua encircled by its ancient medieval walls. Created during the height of the Venetian Republic’s influence, the map reflects the city’s rich architectural and cultural heritage, showcasing its fortified layout, Renaissance buildings, and urban planning. Dotto’s work is as much a historical record as it is a work of art, capturing Padua just before the modernization and expansion of the city would begin to transform its medieval character. It stands as a testament to the pride of local identity and the enduring significance of fortified cities in early modern Italy.