the Doge Assemblage

In Assemblages by Arif

The Doge assemblage is an example of how one thing spurs inspiration. I bought a miniature chair off the internet and when it arrived I flipped over how it looked like one of those over-the-top Venetian baroque/rococo gilded thrones. Putti rampant, indeed! After giving the chair a more weathered finish I paired it with an old toy from years ago. It turned out that the rhino’s head( now gilded) fit the contours of the chair perfectly. I gave the chair a “bustle” of gold metal flowers from Bali.

The Doge of Venice, sometimes translated as Duke, was the chief magistrate and leader of the Republic of Venice between 726 and 1797. Doges of Venice were elected for life by the city-state’s aristocracy.

A late 18th century throne from Venice. See any similarities
Election of the Doge, 16th century.
Doge Leonardo Loredan painted by Bellini in 1501