To see it properly one should sit down at ease under the Doge's arcade or mount to the quadriga gallery of S.Mark's.

Its proportions seem to me perfect, but Baedeker's description of it as the most magnificent secular edifice in Italy seems odd with the Ducal Palace so near.

They do not, however, conflict, for the Ducal Palace is so gay and light, and this so serious and stately.
The cherubs with their garlands are a relaxation, like a smile on a grave face; yet the total effect is rather calm thoughtfulness than sternness.

The living statues on the coping help to lighten the structure, and if one steps back along the Riva one sees a brilliant column of white stone--a chimney perhaps--which is another inspiriting touch.

In the early morning, with the sun on them, these statues are the whitest things imaginable.
The end building, the Zecca, or mint, is also Sansovino's, as are the fascinating little Loggetta beneath the campanile, together with much of its statuary, the giants at the head of Ricco's staircase opposite, and the chancel bronzes in S.Mark's, so that altogether this is peculiarly the place to inquire into what manner of man the Brunelleschi of Venice was.