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the disease, while also consulting resident Jewish and Muslim doctors about prevention measures. Venice estab-
lished the world's first quarantine, with inspections and 40-day waiting periods for incoming ships at Lazaretto.
Venice's forward-thinking, inclusive approach created artistic masterpieces that provide comfort to the afflicted
and bereaved to this day, and set a public-health standard that has saved countless lives down the centuries.
Sala Albergo
The New Testament cycle ends with the Crucifixion in the Sala Albergo, where things
suddenly begin to look up - literally. Every Venetian artist who'd survived the plague
wanted the commission to paint this building, so Tintoretto cheated a little: instead of pro-
ducing sketches like his rival Paolo Veronese, he painted a magnificent tondo (ceiling
panel) and dedicated it to the saint, knowing that such a gift couldn't be refused, or
matched by other artists.
The Sala Albergo is crowned by Tintoretto's newly restored St Roch in Glory , surroun-
ded by representations of the four seasons and the saving graces of Felicity, Generosity,
Faith and Hope. The angels are panting from their efforts at salvation, and feeble Hope is
propped up on one elbow - still reeling from the tragedy of the Black Death, but miracu-
lously alive. Now you see why no other artist stood a chance.
Tesoro
After a century of closure, the Scuola's Tesoro (Treasury) is open to visitors. Through a
side door in the Sala Superiore, climb to the landing to see unexpected multicultural mar-
vels, including 13th-century lustreware from Iran and a 1720-27 chinoiserie tea set. Up-
stairs, pass through heavy bolted doors to see the jewel of San Rocco: an enchanting can-
dlestick made from a branch of coral.
SAN ROCCO: PATRON SAINT OF THE PLAGUE-STRICKEN
In 1315, 20-year-old St Roch (aka San Rocco) began wandering southern France and northern Italy helping
plague victims. Despite frequent exposure to contagion, he miraculously survived to continue his humanitarian
work until his death at age 32. His body was transferred to Venice as a plague-prevention talisman in 1485.
Architecture
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