ERNANDO VENANZI (B. 1948) 10 prints after his paintings on the occasion of the 700 years of Rulers in the Principality of Monaco (1297-1997)

(i) From Porto Venere to Monaco signed in pencil (lower right) and numbered 37/200 (lower left) (ii) Franscesco Grimaldi disguised as a monk signed in pencil (lower right) and numbered 37/200 (lower left) It was after a battle lost by the Guelphs that Francesco Grimaldi, retreating towards Provence, strategically took possession of the castle of Monaco, which he entered with his men disguised as Franciscan monks on the night of 8 January 1297. (iii) Franciscan monk with Monaco coat of arms signed in pencil (lower right) and numbered 37/200 (lower left) The coat of arms of the Principality of Monaco is the symbolic representation of the House of Grimaldi. The shield, a red and silver lozenge, is surrounded by a collar of the Order of Saint Charles, topped with the Princely Crown. The complete coat of arms is usually supported by two Friars Minor each holding a raised sword, standing on a ribbon with the motto «Deo Juvante». The meaning behind this lozenge points to individuals of noble birth, whilst the friars serve as a reminder of the victory of François Grimaldi over the Ghibellines. (iv, v and vi) The fortress and harbour in the XVII century signed in pencil (lower right) and numbered 46/200 and 37/200 (lower left) (vii) Horses signed in pencil (lower right) and numbered 36/100 (lower left) (viii and ix) Militis S. Karoli de Grimaldis signed in pencil (lower right) and numbered 46/200 and 47/200 (lower left) (x) Artist’s proof signed in pencil (lower right) and inscribed ‘P.A’ (lower left) Different sizes: four prints 13 x 18 cm (sheet 24 x 34cm), four prints 33 x 43 cm, two prints 24,5 x 20cm (sheet 50 x 35cm) Provenance: Private collection, South of France