I also visited Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari which houses some of the most impressive paintings sculptural works I have ever seen. I visited Il Redentore, a plague church dedicated to Christ the Redeemer, situated across the canal from Salute. Visiting Venice allowed me to position Salute within the broader context of the city as I analyzed several other churches and important architectural works while I was there. I also visited the church’s Sacristy Museum which is home to gorgeous paintings and frescoes, some by Venetian painters Titian and Tintoretto (unfortunately the museum prohibits photography). It was helpful to attend these events as they provided me with the opportunity to observe the how Longhena’s design fits the function of the space. I was able to attend a Sunday morning mass at Salute, as well as an evening organ concert. The facade of the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute Observing all of these elements first hand allowed me to better comprehend how they connect both visually and symbolically to strengthen the presence of the Virgin Mary in the space. I was overwhelmed by all of the Marian symbolism, Longhena even designed Salute in the form of a rotunda to symbolize Mary’s womb. But what captivated me the most was the dramatic altarpiece, a sculpture of Mary dispelling the plague, which holds the Panagia Messopanditissa, a Byzantine icon of the Madonna and Child. Once I entered I continued to be amazed by the six chapels surrounding the rotunda, each housing a stunning altar decorated with a painting of scenes from the life of the Virgin. As I approached Salute I stood in awe of the theatrical facade covered in marble statues of Mary and the saints. Although I had visited Salute once before in 2012, I was able to experience it in a whole new light after researching it for the past several months. While in Venice I spent a great deal of time on site at Salute, taking extensive notes and countless photos (luckily Salute allows photography!) as well as sketching architectural elements of the space and its surroundings.
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