A rare painted mirror representing the traditional game called Forze Ercole

Venice, circa 1773

The traditional game "Forze d'Ercole" (Hercules Strength) took place in Venice opposing the two districts of Castellani and Nicolotti. It was a challenge of balance and strength consisting of several figures: Il Colosso di Rodi, La Casa di Maometto, La Gloria, La Verginella, La Bella Venezia, Le Tre Quarti di Rosetta, La Fama, etc.

Several representations painted on canvas by Guardi, Canaletto or Fontebasso for example are known as well as engravings and drawings. The Correr Museum in Venice has two paintings and a portrait of one of the team leaders.
Our mirror is the only known version painted on glass. It represents figures "Le Tre Quarti di Rosetta" and "Il Colosso di Rodi" realised by the Catellani teams, respectively on July 4, 1773 and May 29 of the same year.

Inscriptions:
« GIOCO DET[T]O TRE / QUARTI D’ ROSETA/ FATTO DA CASTELA-/-NI E’ NON DA ALTRI / SOT[T]O CAPO TATI ER- / SEGO IN CAMPO DEL-/-LA TANA, IL DI. 4 / LUGLIO L’ANNO / W 1773 W »

« GIOCO DET[T]O IL COLO-/- SO D’ERODI FATTO / DA CASTELANI E’/ NON DA ALTRI SOT[T]O / CAPO GABRIEL COPETA / IN BIRI SU LE FONDA-/-MENTE NOVE, IL DI. 29 / MAGGIO, L’ANNO / W 1773 W »

Condition:
crackes on the mirror (see picture)