The chancel in this church is most often in dim light. The altar stands in the middle of a polygonal apse. The flat painted cross that hangs from the ceiling at the entrance to the chancel is attributed to Paolo Veneziano, a superb and idiosyncratic 14th Century Venetian painter.
Paolo Veneziano Active 1320 - 1362 Also called Paolo da Venezia, this painter was probably the single most important artist of 14th Century Venice. He was one of a family of painters, and in his maturity operated a large workshop and collaborated with his sons. His painting style was a powerful blend of Byzantine and western Gothic styles, and his renown was so great that he must be considered the official painter for the Venetian Republic in his time. His works are found throughout the city, notably on the altar in San Marco, the Pala d'Oro.
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