Pawn Shop

Description

Pawnshops

In the mid–fourteenth century wars with Verona and Genoa and the outbreak of the plague created severe financial problems for the Venetian Republic. There was a deep need to bring moneylenders to Venice to satisfy the demands of the cityʼs poor and to provide merchants with credit. The government thus succeeded in deflecting popular hostility and resentment away from the authorities and, towards the Jews who ran pawnshops. These shops were indicated by the colours red, green and black.

Medium canvas ltd. edition signed by the artist – apprx 14×14″ – 35x35cm

Mini canvas  open edition 6×6″ – 15x15cm