SANTA MARIA GLORIOSA DEI FRARI
According to Legend,
this Franciscan..
church was founded in 1220 by Saint Francis himself on a stopover on the way back from a trip to Egypt. What is known for sure that in 1231, under Doge Jacopo Tiepolo the city gave the Franciscans friars some marshy terrain to start a church and a monastery. After a painstaking reclamation of the land,
the first church was erected and was so popular that it had to be replaced by a larger one in about 1250. 80 years later in 1330, this church again was outgrown. And for a 3rd time construction began. Extensions were added and it was completed in 1442 and consecrated in 1492. The façade was finished a century later.
The Architecural Plan
a large Gothic, Latin cross floor plan (cruciform) typical of Franciscan churches, a triple nave (nave & 2 aisles), a transept, and a rectangular choir flanked by chapels.
1. MONUMENT FOR TITIAN (1843-1852)
Titian wished to be buried in this church and set up a contract prior to his death with the Friars. In exchange for a painting for the church, the Friar's set aside burial space for him. Titian died in 1576 before the painting was completed. The painting never hung in the church and is in the Accademia today. It was finished by Palma il Giovane. It is unclear if his body was actually ever buried here.
This monument was added in the 19th century over (what was believed to be) his original 16th century tomb marker. During renovation no remains were found.
3. MADONNA AND SAINTS: GIOVANNI BELLINI (1488)
-Signed by Bellini on the centre of The VM's throne
-On the left are Saint Nicholas of Bari and Saint Peter
-On right are Saint Mark and Saint Benedict
5. PESARO MADONNA: TITIAN (1519-1526)
This painting was commissioned by Jacopo Pesaro, Bishop of Paphos, Cyprus. In 1518 Jacopo Pesaro bought the altar for his family's worship and later burial rights. He commissioned this altarpiece both as a votive painting and to commemorate his valour in war. He was Commander of the Papal Fleet and led the Christian forces to defeat the Turks in 1502 during the 2nd Ottoman-Venetian wars.
7. MONUMENT FOR CANOVA (1827)
Canova was a famous for his neoclassical sculptures (1757-1822).
The tomb was designed by 5 of his students based on a design Canova himself made for Titian's monument in 1794. The design was not used and was adapted for the monument dedicated to Maria Cristina of Austria which can be found in the church in Vienna.
Only his heart is buried here, possibly in the urn the women is carrying to the right of the door.
MONUMENT FOR DOGE GIOVANNI PESARO (1669)
Baroque monument dedicated to Doge Giovanni Pesaro (1589-1659)
4. THE ASSUMPTION: TITIAN (1516-1518)
-This is the largest altarpiece in Venice.
-It in the same spot Titian painted it for over 500 years ago.
-When the Frari monks first saw the painting, they considered not accepting it. It seemed Titian used new techniques that were considered borderline unacceptable at the time.
JOHN THE BAPTIST: DONATELLO (1450's)
-Commissioned by Cosimo Medici for the Frari.
-It is now in the Florentine chapel.
-St John is the patron Saint of Florence.
-Possibly, it was a gift for the hospitality the Venetians showed to Cosimo while he was exiled in Venice for a year from Florence (1433-1434).
-St John in this sculpture is portrayed raggedy and looks like he may have been wandering in the desert. Cosimo may have requested this raggedy look to relate his own experience of being exiled to St John the Baptists' experience.
The circular window on the front of the church has a Florentine lily to signify the chapel inside.
2. MADONNA & CHILD: VENEZIANO (1339)
-This is one of oldest paintings in the church.
-Made for the tomb of Doge Dandalo (1329-1339).
-Thought to be the earliest painting of a Venetian Doge.
-Doge Dandalo's tomb is below the painting and is Byzantine in style.
CHOIR: MARCO COZZI (1468)
The carved marble rood screen in the center of the church and the 124 elaborate wooden stalls of the Monk's Choir beyond both date to late 15th century. It is the only rood screen still in place in a church in Venice. It is rare to find choirs still in their original place since most were removed during the counter reformation in order for priests to get closer to parishioners.
The choir was completed in 1468. There are 124 stalls, 50 in the upper row, 40 in the middle and 34 in the lower. The upper panels portray the figures of Saints. The lower panels are inlaid with buildings and squares. Also portraits of unidentified people.
In 1475 a choir screen was built to separate the monks from everyone else. It is divided into bas-reliefs representing figures from the Old Testament.
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The Frari is about a 30 min walk from the train station and can be visited on the way to the accademia. The walk there is on the quieter side of the islands and much more peaceful. I like to stop here to see where Titian is buried and 2 of his paintings that are still in place here before seeing his other masterpieces in the Accademia.
Favourites
St Zaccaria
Luigi-Pietro-Andrea Zandomeneghi
Year: 1843-1852
Medium: Carrera Marble
Style:
Monument sculpture
Bosa, Ferrari, Fabris, De Martini, Rinaldi, Zandomeneghi
Year: 1794
Medium: Carrera Marble
Style: Neo Classic
relics
based design by B. Longhena
Year: 1669
Medium: Marble
Style:
USEFUL INFORMATION
Museum Pass: NO
visitmuve.it
The pass can be picked up in any of the museums included on the list. It’s good for 6 months from the date of purchase.
Chorus Pass: YES
chorusvenezia.org
12 euro includes over 12 churches
can buy online or at one of the church entrances.
normal entrance 1-3 Euros per church
Monument to Titian
ZANDOMENEGHI FAMILY: 1852
1. INSCRIPTION
The Latin inscription reads “Titiano Ferdinandus I MDCCCLII”, which means “To Titian dedicated by Ferdinand I in 1852”.
Titian was summoned away from Venice in 1547 to paint for Charles V (Holy Roman Emperor) and spent much of his time 1550-1575 as a portrait painter for his son, Phillip II..
Ferdinand I (Emperor of Austria 1835-1848) was a descendent of Charles V and during his reign Venice fell under his rule. Supposedly when visiting Venice he felt inspired to fund this monument for the artist that worked for his ancestors.
2. SCULPTURE OF TITIAN AS AN OLD MAN
"Legend" has it Titian lived to be a very old man, nearly 100 years old. More likely he was in his 80's when he died.
He wears a laurel wreath crown symbolizing victory, glory, or power.
The medal around his neck is a reminder that Charles V made him a knight.
On the left Titian is unveiling the personification of universal nature.
To his right, stands the personification of knowledge with an owl that symbolises wisdom.
3. COMPARE THE HUGE RELIEF ON THE MONUMENT TO THE ALTAR PAINTING
5 of Titians greatest paintings are sculpted into reliefs in the background of this monument. This one in the centre is The Assumption, which hangs on the main altar in this Church.
The other 4 reliefs include: The Visitation, The Martyrdom of St. Peter for the Dominican church of St. John and Paul; The Martyrdom of St. Lawrence for the Jesuits and The Pietà, his last work, now in the Accademia Gallery.
4. PERSONIFICATION OF ARCHITECTURE
The Renaissance period identified 6 arts: Art, Painting, Sculpture, Architect, Music and Literature. Titian is placed in the middle of 4 of the arts.
Lady Architect::
identified by the T-square and compass she is holding.
5. PERSONIFICATION OF PAINTING
The Renaissance identified 6 arts: Art, Painting, Sculpture, Architect, Music and Literature. Here Titian is placed in the middle of 4 of the arts.
Lady Painting:
with a laurel crown and a brush in her hand.
6. PERSONIFICATION OF GRAPHIC ART
The Renaissance identified 6 arts: Art, Painting, Sculpture, Architect, Music and Literature. Here Titian is placed in the middle of 4 of the arts.
This is Lady Graphic Art:
identified by the scroll she is holding.
7. PERSONIFICATION OF SCULPTURE
Renaissance identified 6 arts: Art, Painting, Sculpture, Architect, Music and Literature. Here Titian is seated between 4 of them
This is Lady Sculpture:
identified by the hammer she is holding.
8. YOUNG MAN HOLDING A TABLET (KING FERDINAND 1?)
This tablet reads: TITIANO MONUMENTUM ERECTUM SIT
Sculpture of Emperor Ferdinand whom Titian worked for.
On the back of the tablet, there is a portrait of Luigi Zandomeneghi (Canova's student who designed this monument). He died a few years before it was completed.
9. FLOOR MARKER FOR TITIAN'S REMAINS
There are 2 plaques on the floor.
The older one reads: 'Here lies the great Titian, emulator of Zeuxis and Apelles"
The newer plaque was added in the 1800's when the monument was made. They had to do some digging to build the monument but no remains were found in or under the Ancient tombstone. This plaque reads: "Here found and repositioned - Despite there being no trace - of the mortal remains of the painter - MDCCCLII"
LION OF ST MARK
This statue holds the coat of arms of the Habsburgs/Austrians, who were the rulers of the Austrian Empire and Venice when this monument was made.
Typically the winged lion holds a book or bible with the inscription: Pax Tibi Marce Evangelista Meus, which means Peace unto you, Mark, my Evangelist.
RELIEF OF THE MARTYRDOM OF ST LAWRENCE
This is 1 of 5 paintings made into friezes on the background of this monument.
The real painting hangs in Santa Maria Assunta or I Gesuiti in Venice.
OLD MAN HOLDING A TABLET (MAYBE CHARLES V?)
On the base, to the left of the monument, is an old man sitting down with a tablet bearing the inscription: “EQUES ET COMES TITIANUS SIT CAROLUS V – MDLIII”. This is a reference to the knighthood Titian received from the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V.
Titian developed a relationship with Charles V while painting portraits in his court. He even had an apartment next to him and Titian's children were made knights as well,
Tiziano Vecellio, one of the…..
one of the greatest painters in the history of art, died in Venice on August 27th, 1576. He was buried, by his own request, in this church.
He exchanged burial rights for a large painting which was to hang over his tomb. He died during the plague before it was finished. The painting was completed by one of his students shortly after he died and is in the Accademia today.
More than two hundred years later many artists wanted to erect a monument in memory of the great painter over his tomb. In 1790 the sculptor Antonio Canova was awarded the commission, but was never completed due to a lack of funds and war.
It wasn’t until 1838, during a visit to Venice by the Emperor of Austria, Ferdinand I, that the idea of a monument was resurrected. At that time, Venice fell under Austrian rule and since Titian was a portrait painter for his ancestors, he was inspired to fund the project. A competition was held for the design, and it was awarded to one of Canova’s pupils, Luigi Zandomeneghi. Work began in 1843 and Zandomeneghi was helped by his two sons, Pietro and Andrea.
The monument was completed in 1852.
Tiziano Vecellio, one of the…..
one of the greatest painters in the history of art, died in Venice on August 27th, 1576. He was buried, by his own request, in this church.
He exchanged burial rights for a large painting which was to hang over his tomb. He died during the plague before it was finished. It was completed by one of his students after he died and is in the Accademia today.
More than two hundred years later many artists wanted to erect a monument in memory of the great painter over his tomb. In 1790 the sculptor Antonio Canova was awarded the commission, but was never completed due to a lack of funds and war.
It wasn’t until 1838, during a visit to Venice by the Emperor of Austria, Ferdinand I, that the idea of a monument was resurrected. At that time, Venice fell under Austrian rule and since Titian was a portrait painter for his ancestors, he was inspired to fund the project. A competition was held for the design, and it was awarded to one of Canova’s pupils, Luigi Zandomeneghi. Work began in 1843 and Zandomeneghi was helped by his two sons, Pietro and Andrea.
The monument was completed in 1852.
Tiziano Vecellio, one of the.. .
greatest painters in the history of art, died in Venice on August 27th, 1576. He was buried, by his own request, in this church.
He exchanged burial rights for a large painting which was to hang over his tomb. He died during the plague before it was finished. It was completed by one of his students after he died and is in the Accademia today
It wasn’t until 1838, during a visit to Venice by the Emperor of Austria, Ferdinand I, that the idea of a monument was resurrected. At that time, Venice fell under Austrian rule and since Titian was a portrait painter for his ancestors, he was inspired to fund the project. A competition was held for the design, and it was awarded to one of Canova’s pupils, Luigi Zandomeneghi. Work began in 1843 and Zandomeneghi was helped by his two sons, Pietro and Andrea.
The monument was completed in 1852.
Tiziano Vecellio, one of the.. .
greatest painters in the history of art, died in Venice on August 27th, 1576. He was buried, by his own request, in this church.
He exchanged burial rights for a large painting which was to hang over his tomb. He died during the plague before it was finished. It was completed by one of his students after he died and is in the Accademia today
It wasn’t until 1838, during a visit to Venice by the Emperor of Austria, Ferdinand I, that the idea of a monument was resurrected. At that time, Venice fell under Austrian rule and since Titian was a portrait painter for his ancestors, he was inspired to fund the project. A competition was held for the design, and it was awarded to one of Canova’s pupils, Luigi Zandomeneghi. Work began in 1843 and Zandomeneghi was helped by his two sons, Pietro and Andrea.
The monument was completed in 1852.
What is Mapsterpeace
First, I want to say I don’t have any professional art background of any type. This website came about from a passion about art, especially renaissance art, from living abroad for the past 19 years, standing in front of some of the most beautiful things I ever laid eyes on and wanting to know more: quickly and in that exact moment. Instead I would tell myself I’ll research all about it when i get home, but I was disappointed in my lack of knowledge. I wanted to share all the information I’ve collected, and in no way do I attempt to be an expert. I’ve put this out so you hopefully you can add another dimension to your visits to travels.
I had the good fortune to live in Europe for 18 years and traveled every change I could. Every time we would go to a new city I was drawn to how history and art were connected. I would walk inside a museum or a church and stand there in awe. I would want to know everything about everything inside. While my family or friends would quickly be in and out, I could spend hours googling and trying to learn details about a single painting. Over time, I had amassed a huge collection of detailed information from churches, palaces, museums and other buildings all over Europe. I started researching months before we would go somewhere, meticulously planning & mapping out where to find great artwork. Not just in the city, but where it was in the museum. I didn’t want to waste time walking in circles looking for a particular piece. I was tired of having scattered notes, maps and handouts and only seeing 1/2 of what i wanted to. Not to mention dragging tired and crabby kids in tow. Once I had that part down, I decided we needed more than just knowing where and what to see. I wanted us to “fall in love” with the artwork and know it like it was one of our favorite books. So, we started studying, doing projects and other creative fun activities to get to know the art better.
VENICE
Built on a cluster of tiny islands in a lagoon at the edge of the Adriatic Sea, Venice began as a refuge for people fleeing invasions after the fall of Rome. Over time, it grew into a powerful maritime republic, trading spices, silk, and ideas between Europe and the East. Ruled for centuries by an elected doge and a network of noble families, Venice became one of the wealthiest and most artistic cities in the world. Today, the city feels like an open-air museum, where art remains beautifully in place — in churches, palaces, and scuole that have preserved remarkable masterpieces right where they were meant to be seen. So many great artists were born here or worked here, leaving behind monuments, treasures brought home from the Crusades, and the shimmering mosaics of St Mark’s Basilica that still glow above the piazza.
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