Portals (architecture)
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| Total Number | 534 |
|---|---|
| Total Number Missing | 0 |
| Purpose | Structural/Decorative |
Portals (in Italian portali) are decorative entryways to buildings or courtyards and are a sub-set of material culture. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, portals also support the load of the wall in which they are located. Portals include doorways with sculptures affixed to their tops or with artwork that flows into the doorjambs, and are often accompanied by a lunetta. A traditional sign of wealth, portali are among the most common type of Public Art in Venice.
Types
The three main styles of Venetian portals are Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance. To learn more about these styles visit the Lunette page.
Statistics
- San Marco and Castello contain the highest percentages of portals in Venice, at 25% and 21%.
- Cannaregio and San Polo contain the lowest percentages of portals in Venice, at 4% each.
- Like Lunette, portals often contain Reliefs, Sculptures, or Inscriptions.
- Portals found on Churches often contain Reliefs of Biblical scenes, or sometimes the image of the saint for which the church is named.
- The oldest Venetian portal can be found in San Polo and dates from 440 AD.
- The most recent portal can be found in Castello and dates from 1864 AD.
Damage and Preservation
For information pertaining to the damage of Venetian portals, please see the Damage to Public Art page.
For information pertaining to the preservation of Venetian portals, please see the Restoration and Preservation of Public Art page.
Location
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See Also
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References
- Rizzi, Alberto. "Scultura Esterna a Venezia." Stamperia di Venezia Editrice, 1987.
- Venice Project Center
Bibliography
- 2010 WPI PreserVenice Project Team
- 2008 WPI PreserVenice Project Team
- 2007 WPI PreserVenice Project Team
- 2000 WPI PreserVenice Project Team