Church of San Silvestro in Venice

Note: This is part of a visit to Venice in 2022. The Venice 2022 art will in the Art Index under that heading.

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Built in 850 AD & dedicated to all Saints and dedicated to Pope Silvestro I.

Statue of San Silvestro

A single nave in neoclassical style. 

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St Thomas Becket by Girolamo da Santacroce

Thomas Beckett is the very famous Archbishop of Canterbury who was also the former Chancellor of England. He had an enormous row with King Henry II. Due to a miscommunication, assassigns were sent by the King to kill the archbishop in his Cathedral. He refused to bow to the King's wishes. Until visiting this Church, I was not aware that Thomas Beckett was venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic and in the Anglican Church. 

An imposing beautiful vista.

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Baptism of Christ by Jacopo Tintoretto   1580

I couldn't properly photograph this painting due to the reflection, so a side photo was taken.

We like Tintoretto.

Here John the Baptist pours water on Christ who is bathed in luminescent holy light and warmth. Both characters are idealized physical strength and beauty of classical antiquity. A dove symbolizes purity and God.

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The Baptism of Constantine by Sebastiano Santi

Certainly a romantic version of history. S Helena in the background.

Interesting symbology: a emperor kneeling - and partially nude - receiving power of Christ. The Bishop's robes are luxurious and sumptuous (opposite of St Francis of Assisi) whereas the Emperor is wearing rags. 

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Holy Family and God the Father  by Johann Carl Loth

I didn't get good quality photo here. Next time.