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The
Oratory, built next to the hospice and opposite
the church and monastery, of the Order of
Crociferi (Cross-bearers) was seriously
damaged in the 1966 floods. In collaboration
with the present owners, the Istituzioni
di Ricovero e di Educazione, the International
Crociferi Committee was set up in 1982-84
comprising -besides Venice in Peril- the
Swedish, Dutch and Dallas (Texas) Funds
for Venice.
A floodwater control tank was constructed
under the Oratory floor, which was relaid
using the traditional pastellon technique.
The walls were rebuilt to a height of 10ft
and the roof cover was renewed. Work in
marble and wood on the walls, ceiling and
altar was cleaned and restored, and the
cycle of paintings by Jacopo Palma the Younger
was conserved. The restoration was inaugurated
by HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in
1984.
The paintings were begun in 1583 and completed
in 1590. They tell the story of the Crociferi:
the founding of the Order by Pope Anacletus
to provide for pilgrims and the infirm;
the building of an almshouse for 12 poor
women, following a legacy from Doge Raniero
Zen in the 13th century; and the gift of
Doge Pasquale Cicogna (whose last descendant
also contributed to this restoration) in
1581 which prompted the Fathers to establish
their Oratory. The cycle was completed in
1590 with the Transportation of the Body
of Christ. Palma Giovane included portraits
of all concerned including, of course, Father
Priamo Balbi who had commissioned him, and
the women residents who came to worship
there.
DIRECTION OF WORKS: Superintendency for
the Environmental and Architectural Heritage
and the Superintendency for the Artistic
and Historical Heritage
CONSERVATORS
Panelling: G Capovilla and M Casaril
Pastellon floor: Roberto Crovato
Ceiling and wooden carvings: Alda Bertoncello
Paintings: Ferruccio and Sera fino Volpin |
