The Enigmatic Workshop of Riccio: Masters of Venetian Ornament The name “Workshop of Riccio” evokes a sense of mystery, a collective artistry flourishing in the heart of 16th-century Venice. Unlike many Renaissance artists celebrated as singular geniuses, the workshop operated as a dynamic hub, a collaborative enterprise producing exquisite ornamental designs that adorned palaces, churches, and domestic interiors throughout the lagoon city and beyond. Pinpointing a single “Riccio” remains elusive; rather, it’s believed to be a designation encompassing several skilled artisans—perhaps a famil…