The Archway of Scuola Grande di San Rocco
Scuola Grande di San Rocco, Venice

The majestic staircase that leads to the Chapter Hall was conceived by Antonio Abbondi, called Scarpagnino (1544). The staircase is designed with two monumental flights of stairs that lead to a large landing where they unite.
The two archways on the ground floor hall are composed of twin triumphal arches with Corinthian columns, standing on plinths, which are decorated with basreliefs carved by an unidentified Venetian sculptor in the mid of the 16th century. In the right arch they represent Judith killing Holofernes, Neptune, and David and Goliath on the left plinth; two winged putti carrying a basket with fruit and flowers, a putto holding a coat of arms with the inscription “SRO” and another pair of putti carrying a basket of fruits and flowers over the heads adorn the right plinth. Venetian Heritage has contributed to the restoration of the right arch on the ground floor.