Magic lantern slide circa 1900.Victorian/Edwardian.Social History. The Beauties of Venice,photographs created in 1888 Joseph John William ACWORTH F.I.C., F.C.S.J. The Beauties of Venice . may be made by land across the canals by bridges and along their narrow banks by the narrow streets. . This is one of the larger canals, and the houses or palaces are inhabited by some of the well-to-do of the city. On our left we notice a high post standing straight up out of the water. These posts-for there are many in front of each palace-are painted with the heraldic colours of the family, and were formerly the distinguishing marks of the nobility [B] They are used as moorings for their own and also for their visitors' gondolas.