Carlo Ponti - Palazzo Contarini della Scala or Dal Bovolo

The Mediterranean Sea was the hub of transport, trade and cultural links between three continents: Western Asia, North Africa, and Southern Europe. The history of the cultures and people of the Mediterranean region is important for understanding the origin and development of the Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Canaanite, Phoenician, Hebrew, Carthaginian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Ottoman, Christian and Islamic cultures. The Italian "Repubbliche Marinare" (Maritime Republics) of Venice, Genoa, Amalfi and Pisa developed their own "empires" in the Mediterranean shores. The Islamic states had never been major naval powers, and trade from the east to Europe was soon in the hands of Italian traders, especially the Genoese and the Venetians, who profited immensely from it. The Republic of Pisa and later the Republic of Ragusa used diplomacy to further trade and maintained a libertarian approach in civil matters to further sentiment in its inhabitants. The republic of Venice got to dominate the eastern Mediterranean shores after the Fourth Crusade. In 1347 the Black Death spread from Constantinople across the mediterranean basin. In 1453, the Byzantine Empire was extinguished with the fall of Constantinople.

Many historians agree that the original population of Venice consisted of refugees from Roman cities near Venice such as Padua, Aquileia, Treviso, Altino and Concordia (modern Portogruaro) and from the undefended countryside, who were fleeing from waves of Germanic and Hun invasions. Between year 166 to 168, the Quadi and Marcomanni destroyed the main center in the area, the current Oderzo. The Roman defenses were again overthrown in the early 5th century by the Visigoths and, some 50 years later, by the Huns led by Attila. The last and most enduring immigration into the north of the Italian peninsula, that of the Lombards in 568, left the Eastern Roman Empire a small strip of coast in the current Veneto, including Venice.

National Galleries of Scotland looks after one of the world's finest collections of Western art ranging from the Middle Ages to the present day. These holdings include the National Collection of Scottish art which we are proud to display in an international context. Scotland’s privileged position in the history of modernity lends it a rich photographic tradition. From the beginnings of the medium small groups of scientists and gentlemen amateurs explored its technical and artistic potential. One such group formed around the optical scientist, Sir David Brewster, at St. Andrews, and professional studios – including the partnership of Robert Adamson and David Octavius Hill – were established in Edinburgh from 1843. From the mid 1850s, technological change helped drive a dramatic expansion of photography, with large commercial operations established by the Valentine family in Dundee and George Washington Wilson in Aberdeen.

Ponti was a pioneer in the field of photography, experimenting with new techniques and processes. He was known for his high-quality portraits, landscapes and architectural photographs. Ponti also worked as an optician, making lenses and other optical instruments. He established a successful business in Venice, serving both locals and tourists. Ponti's work is now highly regarded by collectors and historians of photography. Ponti was born in Venice in 1835 and began his career as a photographer in the 1850s. He quickly gained a reputation for his skill and innovation, and his work was exhibited at international exhibitions, including the 1867 World's Fair in Paris. Ponti was particularly interested in the technical aspects of photography and experimented with new processes and materials. He was one of the first photographers to use albumen paper, which allowed for sharper and more detailed images. He also developed his own techniques for creating panoramic photographs and used innovative lighting techniques to capture the beauty of his subjects. In addition to his work as a photographer, Ponti was also an accomplished optician. He set up a successful business in Venice, making lenses and other optical instruments. His expertise in optics helped him to produce high quality photographs, renowned for their clarity and precision. Today, Ponti's photographs are highly sought after by collectors and photography historians. His work is celebrated for its technical mastery and ability to capture the beauty of Venice and other Italian landscapes. Ponti's legacy continues to inspire photographers and artists around the world.