Halls on the first floor. Accademia Galleries
Part 2 of the photo tour through the Gallerie dell'Accademia in Venice: exhibitions halls and works on the first floor.
For an optimal view of our website, please rotate your tablet horizontally.
The authorities of the lay brotherhood of the Scuola Grande di San Marco (next to the church of Santi Giovanni e Paolo, or San Zanipolo, in the Castello district) commissioned seven large paintings of episodes from the life and martyrdom of St. Mark. According to legend, his bones had been stolen by Venetian merchants in Alexandria and brought to Venice in 828. The precious relic was "fundamental in legitimizing the Christian roots of the Serenissima's commercial empire along the eastern Mediterranean coast, where many of the confraternity had large economic investments" (Gallerie dell'Accademia website).
The cycle of the seven teleri (large canvases) was begun by Gentile Bellini in 1504, continued by his brother Giovanni (both were members of the Brotherhood), and completed over the course of several decades by artists from their circle.
Hall VIB, first floor
© Photos, summary: Haupt & Binder, Universes in Universe
Part 2 of the photo tour through the Gallerie dell'Accademia in Venice: exhibitions halls and works on the first floor.