One of the first suggestions when thinking of Venice is the majestic sumptuousness of the golden mosaics that adorn St Mark's Basilica. The colour gold is the hue that most evokes power, luxury and wealth. Just as in ancient times gold was used to embellish statues, tombs and palaces, so today this colour illuminates the details of many sophisticated objects. Not only jewellery, accessories and other items of clothing, but also many furnishings, such as vases and picture frames. Together with red, golden yellow is also the colour par excellence of Venetian banners.