The museum bought two copies of the socket in 1863 for the sum of £410. An inscription on the original records that it was commissioned for St. Marks sqaure in Venice, where it still stands outside the Doge's Palace. This socket was created by Alessandro Leopardi.

Electrotype Copy of a socket for a standard, after the bronze original in the Piazza di S. Marco, Venice. One of three flagstaffs commissioned from Leopardi by Doge Leonardo Loredan (reigned 1501-21). The latter's portrait appears in four medallions on the flagstaff. The flagstaff shows the winged lion of St. Mark, the emblem of the Venetian Republic, and around the base are seascapes with classicizing figures. Here, allegorical figures of Wisdom, Charity and Justice are shown riding above the waves with attendants.

Gallery location:
Cast Courts, Room 46b, The Weston Cast Court , case FS, shelf S

This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. Scan the World is an open source, community effort, if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.

Courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London