Palazzo Merati: Highly Decorative Piano Nobile
Cannaregio, Venice
Historical information
The Merati Palace stuccoworks are of the highest quality: they are to be found on the ceilings of the stairs, above the two great doors of the “portego” (central hall): here winged Fame, blowing a trumpet, celebrates the glory of the Merati family, whose coats of arms is at the center of the decoration, while two other figures enclose it on the left and the right.
A third, draped, feminine figure, stands in the center, holding a veil, while two winged putti (or “amorini”) fly up between the two figures. Two eagles at the top of the arches turn towards her, while leaves, volutes, and garlands fill in the remaining space.
The alcove stuccowork is almost unique in Venice, as the comparable decoration of the Sagredo Palace alcove was sold and transported to the Metropolitan Museum of New York where it is still visible. Three winged putti hold the stuccowork drapery along the opening of the alcove, while two erect figures hold it up on both sides.
A garland on the ceiling and garlands and leafage on the upper wall complete the rich and dynamic decoration.
Both palaces can be seen in paintings by Canaletto and Guardi.
