Scuola Grande di San Rocco

 

The facade of the Church of San Rocco. Picture by Klaus-Dieter Keller, Germany, dated 30.08.06

The Scuola Grande di San Rocco is located in the Santa Croce district on the Rio della Frescada, a short distance from its junction with the Grand Canal.

The Scuola was established in 1478. The neighbouring church of San Rocco, whose construction was financed by its members, was completed in 1508.

The church, designed by Bartolomeo Bon, was modified in the 1720's. Its facade was added in 1765.

San Rocco, otherwise known as Saint Roch, was born in Montpellier in 1340. As a young man he gave his wealth to the poor and dedicated his life to nursing plague victims. He was disfigured by the plague and mistaken for a spy on returning to his home town. He died in prison at the age of 38.

Mediaeval image of Saint Roch accompanied by his dog who fetched him food when he was sick with the plague

In 1576 a plague epidemic claimed the lives of over 50,000 Venetians and Saint Roch became a patron saint of the city. Every year thereafter the doge made a pilgrimage to the church of San Rocco on 16 July, the saint's feast day.

The members of the confraternity were wealthy philanthropists inspired by the example of San Rocco. They founded the Scuola in order to assist plague victims.

The Scuola was modified between 1517 and 1560. Each of the two storeys possesses a grand hall. They are linked by a magnificent staircase interrupted by a landing illuminated by a cupola.

The original design was by Bartolomeo Bon although some believe his son, Pietro, drafted the plans. The project was later supervised by Sante Lombardo. The staircase was added by Antonio Abbondi, otherwise known as Scarpagnino.

The Sala Terrena houses a cycle of eight pictures by Tintoretto (1583-87) which depict scenes from the New Testament. The paintings are notable for their depictions of the Virgin Mary. The backgrounds are brushed-in with broad strokes in order to focus attention on the principal characters.

The Sala Superiore  possesses another cycle of eight New Testament pictures by Tintoretto. These include a seductive Lucifer tempting Christ in the wilderness, and a spectacular double-panelled Adoration.

There is also a Crucifixion (1564) which Henry James, the 19th century novelist, described as a better depiction of brutality and compassion than any other picture he had seen.

Crucifixion by Tintoretto (1565), the Scuola Grande di San Rocco

Detail from the Crucifixion by Tintoretto

The ceiling of the Sala Superiore is decorated with twenty-one Old Testament scenes by Giuseppe Angelo. They are notable for their jumbled figures and sense of violent movement.

Francesco Pianta added a series of allegorical carvings to the Sala Superiore during the 17th century. One pays homage to Tintoretto by depicting him as the embodiment of painting, complete with palette and brushes.

The Sala dell'Albergo, entered through the Sala Superiore, was also decorated by Tintoretto, mostly with views of Venice.

© 2006 LACT Limited. All rights reserved.

 

Accademia   San Giovanni   San Marco   San Rocco   Carmini   San Giorgio