Venetian Political Iconography and Architectural Decoration in Cres in the 15th Century

The Most Serene Republic of Venice was for centuries as the dominant power of the Mediterranean and its legacy can be seen, in the architecture of the towns within its sphere of influence. This article deals with the Venetian influence on the architectural decoration of the Upper Adriatic town of Cres in the 15th century. The particular problem addressed is the political message of the decorative elements, found in the intentions of the commissioners and patrons, with the aim of both reinforcement of their position as well as their progression up the hierarchical ladder of the ruling class. The examples used to prove thid hypothesis are the Arsan palace and the parish church of Saint Mary of the Snows, as well as a few other elements of the architectural decoration of Cres.