Magic lantern slide circa 1900.Victorian/Edwardian.Social History. The Beauties of Venice,photographs created in 1888 Joseph John William ACWORTH F.I.C., F.C.S.J. The Beauties of Venice . The Paglia Bridge. This is an instantaneous view of the Ponte della Paglia, one of the principal bridges in Venice. Here we get a very good idea of Venetian life, and being one of the chief thoroughfares, it is always a busy spot. Sailors of all nations, from the vessels which lie in the vicinity, gondoliers, numerous idlers, and vendors in cooling drinks and small wares, are always to be found lounging about here, or congregated in the cafes adjoining. This is also the rendezvous of gondolas and gondoliers. The marble steps we see leading to the top of the bridge are common to all such bridges spanning the canals of Venice [B] From the middle of this bridge we get the best view of our next.