Hans Makart: Venice Pays Homage to Caterina Cornaro, former Queen of Cyprus (1840)

(Östereichische Galerie Belvedere, Vienna, Austria)

Caterina Cornaro was Queen of Cyprus from 26 August 1474 to 26 February 1489. During this period the Island was virtually controlled by Venetian merchants. On 14 March 1489 she was forced to abdicate and sell the administration of the country to Venice. After her abdication, Venice gave her a sort of a homage by allowing her to retain the title of Queen and by making her a Sovereign Lady of Asolo. Painting from 1840