This 11 x 14 mounted colour photograph depicts venitian gondolas, the traditional Venetian sculling boat. Gondolas were for centuries the chief means of transportation within Venice and still have a role in public transport, serving as traghètti (ferries) over major canals.  The gondola is propelled by an oarsman (the gondolier) who stands facing the bow and pushes, rather than pulls, a single oar.  Contrary to popular belief the gondola is never poled, as the waters of Venice are too deep.  A gondolier, under Venetian law, must have been born in Venice to practice this profession.