Wide view of Venice: Piazza San Marco - Riva degli Schiavoni

The Ridotto gambling atmosphere

by Joseph Heintz the younger - 1600-1678

Joseph Heintz the younger: "The Masked Ball Il Ridotto" - oil on canvas (1974-1798)
Joseph Heintz the younger: "The Masked Ball Il Ridotto"
oil on canvas (mid 17th century)

This is one of the few images which portray the gambling atmosphere as it was inside one of the gambling rooms at the Ridotto.

Classy, quite dark, heavy tension, small tables and big fortunes changing hands literally in a flip of cards.

The Ridotto Casino ended up being closed by the Gran Consiglio in 1774 as it was started to be considered immoral, because it was ruining the wealthy Venetian families (bad for business!) and attracted thieves, pickpockets and prostitutes.


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