The reason for Henry III's visit has been lost in the outrageous pomp and ceremony that surrounded it. Venice's supreme artists, Tintoretto and Veronese decorated huge arches bidding the young king welcome when he sailed into Venice. Venetian glass blowers, famous for their skills throughout Europe sailed alongside the king's ship blowing strange and wonderful objects for his delight. The Doge's Palace was specially decorated for the occasion with pictures commissioned from Titian, Tintoretto and Veronese. The banquet in honor of King Henry was the most sumptuous ever in Venice with 3,000 guests eating 1,200 dishes. This was followed by the first performance of an opera in Italy. Henry III returned to France somewhat bemused.
