King Pippin's Army Trying to Reach Venice
by VICENTINO, Andrea, Oil on canvas
Vicentino’s painting in the outer wall of the Sala dello Scrutinio depicts a historical event when King Pippin’s army tried to reach Venice across a bridge of boats and barrels. This event took place in 810, before the Venetian government seat was moved from Malamocco to Rivoalto, the future Venice.
Legend has it that the Venetians attempted to dissuade the Franks from continuing their assault by launching large quantities of bread (by means of catapults) in the enemy camp to demonstrate that a lack of provisions would not be a reason for surrendering to the invader.