Final answer:
English Renaissance audiences viewed Venice as a symbol of mystery and intrigue, influenced by its unique political stability, trade wealth, and the dramatic backdrops it provided in plays.
Step-by-step explanation:
English audiences during the Renaissance period saw Venice as a symbol of mystery and intrigue. The city's distinctiveness as noted by Petrarch, its stable government, and its vibrant trade made it an embodiment of prosperity. However, Venice also had its share of challenges, including outbreaks of the plague and involvement in wars like the War of the League of Cambrai. Within the context of English theater, particularly in plays by Shakespeare, Venice often served as a backdrop where such aspects of mystery and intrigue were explored, resonating with the audience's perceptions and experiences.