Venice in Transition: Winged cherubs frequently submerged at Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

Situated at the entrance to the Grand Canal, Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute ('Salute') is one of Venice's most dramatic landmarks. The minor basilica was commissioned in the 17th century by the republic on behalf of the survivors of the plague. The architect was Baldassare Longhena. It is the most recent of the so-called 'plague churches'. The baroque facade, replete with one hundred and twenty-five statues, gives way to a serene and spacious interior.

A pair of winged angels guard the water steps leading from the Grand Canal to the apron of Santa Maria della Salute. In earlier times the faithful, arriving by boat, would prepare for worship in the presence of these sacred cherubs. These winged messengers, guardians of the Kingdom of God, are submerged except at low tide due to a combination of land subsidence and rising water levels. Today, the art of Renaissance and Early Modern Venice is most ofter associated with painting, yet sculpture and carving also pervaded civic and sacred life.

Welcome to the website of British art historian Val de Furrentes, author of 'Venice in Transition'.

Venice in Peril

I look forward to the quarterly newsletter because it provides interesting illustrated updates on current and new conservation projects throughout the city. The recent Winter issue describes Venice in Peril's biggest conservation project with a series of photographs of the Canova monument in the Basilica of the Frari. There is also a striking photograph of the 'Trinity' wellhead in the great cloister of the Archivo di Stato, marking the 50th Anniversary Appeal. Dedicated to the protection and restoration of the artistic heritage of Venice. Since 1971 the charity, working closely with Venetians, has completed more than 75 projects.

BLOG: Food, fun, wine and 'Cicchetti' with MONICA CESARATO.

Monica, a native Venetian, is a culinary guide, cooking instructor, and restaurant reviewer. She shares her life in Venice with tips about her favourite restaurants, and travel adventures in Italy. She is currently writing a book about 'Cicchetti' (a Venetian version of tapas). Her YouTube channel 'Venice Meets' covers interviews with writers, actors, artisans and chefs. Her blog also includes a series of guest posts by Venice lovers called 'Best Memories of Venice' who recall that particular moment which made La Serenissima impossible to forget.

WEBSITE: Jeff Cotton's 'The Churches of Venice'.

Early Venetians took worship seriously, as witnessed by the clusters of churches and bell-towers seen throughout the city. Jeff Cotton's website gives an account of the existing churches and those that have vanished. Each church's history is told, followed by a description of its architecture, artistic highlights, unique features, the art it has lost and interesting stories. The site is illustrated with numerous original photographs, floor plans, maps, historical images, and little known paintings, reflecting the glories of these wonderful buildings.

A View from a Venetian Balcony

Campo Sant'Angelo, also known as Campo S. Anzolo, was enlarged in 1837 with the demolition of the ancient church of Angelo Michele. This view is from a balcony of the modest palazzo known as Ca'Sant'Angelo. Opposite you can see the gothic facade of C15th Palazzo Gritti Morosini, and the C17th Palazzo Trevisan Pisani. In the centre is the small, but significant, Chiesa Sant'Angelo degli Zoppi founded in 920 as a private oratory. Subsequently it was given, in 1392, to the Scuola degli Zoppi, thought to be a Confraternity of disabled sailors from Arsenale. On the left is the former Convent of Santo Stefano, now the headquarters of the Ministero della Finanza (Revenue Agency).

The Guild of St. George

The Guild of St. George is an educational charity, founded in 1871 by the Victorian art and social critic, John Ruskin. It currently has more than 310 Companions who come from all walks of life, and vary greatly in their areas of expertise, geographical location and age. They share a sympathy for the aims of the Guild and a common interest in Ruskin and his ideas. Of interest to creative people, artists, writers, collectors, poets, farmers, ecologists and environmentalists. The Guild is partners with Sheffield Museums Trust, and an informal network known as 'Ruskin Today'.

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Winged cherubs frequently submerged at Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute