When he was elected in 1570, Venice was preparing for war against the Turks who, eager to take possession of the island of Cyprus , in Venetian hands since 1480 , had set up a powerful fleet to conquer it. In the period 1570-71 things went badly on the island which, soon, despite a hard fight for the possession of Nicosia and the strenuous resistance of Famagusta (where the commander Marcantonio Bragadin , having surrendered with the garrison, was skinned alive), fell into enemy hands.

Engraved by Stefano Scolari circa 1650

Size Oval 33 x 28 cm

Price £48.00

Ref:3573