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TheScuola Grande di San Rocco is a building inVenice, northernItaly. It is noted for its collection of paintings byTintoretto and generally agreed to include some of his finest work.
The building is the seat of aconfraternity established in 1478, named afterSan Rocco, popularly regarded as a protector against plague.[1] The members of the "Confraternity of St. Roch" were a group of wealthy Venetian citizens. The site they chose for their building is next to thechurch of San Rocco which houses the relics of the saint.
In January 1515 the project of the building was entrusted to Bartolomeo Bon, although some authorities assign it to his sonPietro Bon. In 1524 his work was continued bySante Lombardo, who, in turn, three years later was replaced by Antonio Scarpagnino. Following his death in 1549, the last architect to work on the edifice was Giangiacomo dei Grigi, finishing in September 1560.[2]
The design was similar to otherscuole in Venice, characterized by two halls, one at ground floor level, the other at first floor level. TheSala Terra (lower) has a nave and two aisles, with the entrance from thecampo[3] outside. From this hall a stair (with a landing surmounted by a dome) led to the upper storey. TheSala Superiore ("Upper Hall") was used for meetings of the fellows and had a wooden altar. It provided access to theSala dell'Albergo, which housed theBanca and theZonta (the confraternity's supervisory boards).
In 1564 the painterTintoretto was commissioned to provide paintings for theScuola, and his most renowned works are to be found in theSala dell'Albergo and theSala Superiore. All the works in the building are by him, or his assistants, including his sonDomenico: they were executed between 1564 and 1587. Works in the sala terra are in homage to the Virgin Mary, and concentrate on episodes from her life. In the sala superiore, works on the ceiling are from theOld Testament, and on the walls from theNew Testament. Together, they show the biblical story fromFall toRedemption.
A sculpture of Tintoretto with his paintbrushes is featured, as well as a relief carved to look like a bookcase.[4]
Main works include:
Other works present include paintings byTitian andPalma il Giovane, and a series of wooden panels withallegorical figures in theChapter house carved byFrancesco Pianta between 1657 and 1658.[6]
In its heyday the scuola was an important patron of music, employing musicians such asGiovanni Gabrieli. Gabrieli took on the post of organist in addition to his work atSt Mark's, and he composed music specifically for the location. A contemporary account of how the music impressed an English traveller was published inCoryat's Crudities (1611).[7]
In 1958Stravinsky'sThreni was premiered at the scuola with the composer conducting.[8]
The Scuola Grande is open daily all the year round, except for Christmas Day and January 1.
The paintings were in need of conservation work, and have been restored by theWorld Monuments Fund.
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