Editing Ca' d'Oro

{{Short description|Palace and art gallery in Venice, Italy}}
{{For|the museum|Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca' d'Oro}}
{{Infobox building
| name             = Ca' d'Oro
| alternate_names  = Galleria Giorgio Franchetti
| image            = File:Ca' d'Oro facciata.jpg
| caption          = Ca' d'Oro façade overlooking the Grand Canal
| location         = [[Venice]], [[Veneto]]
| address          = [[Cannaregio]] 3932 (Calle Ca 'd'Oro)
| location_country = [[Italy]]
| start_date       = 1421
| completion_date  = 1437
| architect        = Giovanni Bon, Bartolomeo Bon, Matteo Raverti
| owner            = Original patron:  Marino Contarini
| building_type    = Originally a palace; now a museum
| architectural_style = Byzantine, Gothic, Islamic
| coordinates      = {{Coord|45|26|26|N|12|20|02|E}}
| mapframe         = yes
| mapframe-caption = Click on the map for a fullscreen view
| website          = https://www.cadoro.org/the-museum/?lang=en
| mapframe-zoom    = 13
| mapframe-marker  = museum
| mapframe-frame-width = 300
}}
The '''Ca' d'Oro,''' or '''Palazzo Santa Sofia,''' is a palace on the [[Grand Canal of Venice|Grand Canal]] in [[Venice]], northern [[Italy]]. Ca' d'Oro or Cadoro translates to "House of Gold" or "Golden House" in English because of the [[Gilding|gilt]] and [[polychrome]] external decorations that once adorned its walls.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Fogolari |first=Gino |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6RdHAQAAIAAJ&dq=ca%27+d%27oro&pg=PA8 |title=The Ca' D'Oro |date=1927 |publisher=Review "le tre Venezie" |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Citation |title=Ca' d'Oro |date=2003 |work=Oxford Art Online |url=https://login.sandiego.idm.oclc.org/login?qurl=https://doi.org%2f10.1093%2foao%2f9781884446054.013.90000369996 |access-date=2024-10-03 |publisher=Oxford University Press |language=en |doi=10.1093/oao/9781884446054.013.90000369996 |isbn=978-1-884446-05-4|url-access=subscription }}</ref> It was designed by Marino Contarini and later restored by Baron Giorgio Franchetti.<ref name=":1" /> In 1927, the building was converted into a museum and since then has been known as the [[Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca' d'Oro]].

The Ca' d'Oro has long been regarded as the best-surviving palazzo in [[Venetian Gothic architecture]], retaining all the most characteristic features, despite some losses. On the facade, the [[loggia]]-like window group of closely spaced small columns, with heavy [[tracery]] and [[quatrefoil]] openings above, use the formula from the [[Doge's Palace]] that had become iconic.  There is also Byzantine-inspired decoration along the roofline and patterning in fancy colored stone to the flat wall surfaces.  The smaller windows show a variety of forms with an [[ogee]] arch capped with a relief ornament.

The third act of [[Amilcare Ponchielli]]'s opera, ''[[La Gioconda (opera)|La Gioconda]],'' is set in the palace.

During the [[2019 Venice flood]], water levels reached the top of the wellhead in the inner courtyard.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-02-04 |title=The cost of Venice's worst floods since 1966 |url=https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2020/02/04/the-cost-of-venices-worst-floods-since-1966 |access-date=2022-12-13 |website=The Art Newspaper - International art news and events}}</ref>

[[Francis H. Kimball]], the famed American architect behind landmarks like the Empire State Building, used the Ca' d'Oro as inspiration for the [[Montauk Club]], a social club in Brooklyn, New York.

==Patron and commission==
[[File:0 Venise, la Ca' d'Oro (2).JPG|thumb|left|175px|Gondolier sailing in front of the Ca'd'Oro.]]
The patron of the building was Marino Contarini of the [[Contarini]], well-respected noble Venetian family who had served Venice over the years with the election of eight different [[Doge of Venice|Doges]] between 1043 and 1676. Marino Contarini used the building of the Ca' d'Oro, as a way to assert his family's position in Venetian society.<ref name=":52">{{Cite book |last1=Paoletti |first1=John T. |title=Art in Renaissance Italy |last2=Radke |first2=Gary M. |publisher=Prentice Hall |year=2001 |isbn=978-0-13-091830-7 |edition=2nd |location=Upper Saddle River, NJ |pages=313, 315, 316, Fig. 13.5}}</ref> This message was also conveyed as the palace was built not far from the Rialto Bridge on the left bank of Grand Canal of Venice, which was and remains the main thoroughfare in Venice.<ref name=":52" /> The architects of the Ca d'Oro were [[Giovanni Bon]] and his son [[Bartolomeo Bon]].

The Ca' d'Oro was built between 1421 and 1437 for Marino Contarini upon the foundations of a building that he had received through his marriage to Soradamore Zeno, which had been part of an old palace belonging to the Zeno family.<ref name=":1" /> As the patron of the new palace, Contarini was in essence the building's main designer, as he was the one who oversaw the entire project.<ref name=":52" /> He also kept notes and accounts of the whole process, which have survived throughout the centuries, offering scholars amazing insight into the building's construction.<ref name=":0" />

=== Architects ===
He contracted two main architects to execute his plan for the palace: the Venetian architect and sculptor {{III|Giovanni Bon|it|Giovanni Bono (scultore)}}(along with his son [[Bartolomeo Bon]]), and another architect-sculptor, [[Matteo Raverti]], who came from Milan.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":52" /> Matteo Raverti's notable contributions to the Ca' d'Oro include the [[tracery]] of the main [[loggia]] and the [[ogee]]-arched [[Tympanum (architecture)|tympanum]] over the land entrance.<ref name=":52" /> Giovanni Bon and Bartolomeo Bon are also known for their contribution to the main ceremonial door of the [[Doge's Palace]], the so-called Porta della Carta, but was called Porta Aurea because of how much gold they had added.<ref name=":1" /> Matteo Raverti was also known for his work as a sculptor for the [[Milan Cathedral]].<ref name=":52" />

==Description and layout==
One of the Ca' d'Oro's distinguishing features is its asymmetrical facade, designed to maximize light in rooms where side windows were impractical due to the proximity of neighboring buildings.<ref name=":52" />

The building's [[Atrium (architecture)|atrium]] (''androne'')—a large open hall located near the waterfront—is accessed directly from the canal through the multi-arched loggia.<ref name=":52" /> The atrium was historically used for receiving and exporting shipments, reflecting the common practice among noble Venetian families who derived their wealth from trade.<ref name=":52" />

Above the atrium is the ''gran salone'' or main reception hall, that occupies the ''[[piano nobile]]'' (noble floor) and is fronted by the most ornate of the three loggias, featuring intricate Gothic [[quatrefoil]] tracery attributed to Matteo Raverti.

The upper stories housed private living quarters for the family.<ref name=":52" /> The layout prioritizes privacy and hierarchy, with the family’s private spaces were elevated above the more public reception and trading areas.<ref name=":52" />

The palace has (like other similar buildings in Venice) a small inner courtyard. The neighboring palace is the [[Palazzo Giustinian Pesaro]]. The central courtyard is accessible from the gondola landing and provides light and ventilation to the interior spaces.<ref name=":52" /> The courtyard contains a central wellhead. Additionally, a small garden area within the courtyard adds to the palace's aesthetic and functional appeal.<ref name=":52" />
== Architectural features of the main façade ==
[[File:Venedig Ca' d'oro Fassade -20110312-RM-180500.jpg|thumb|Frontal view of the façade of the Ca' d'Oro|left|267x267px]]Marino Contarini had the building constructed in the style of [[Byzantine architecture]], mixed with the popular [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] style of this time, as well as elements of [[Islamic architecture|Islamic]] design.<ref name=":2" /> Having for centuries been part of the [[Byzantine Empire]], Venice turned to its Byzantine history, which spanned from the classical period to the more recent medieval era, while Florence, Siena, and Milan called more upon their Greco-Roman traditions.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Smarthistory – Ca' d'Oro |url=https://smarthistory.org/ca-doro/ |access-date=2024-12-12 |website=smarthistory.org}}</ref>

The facade is divided into three distinct stories: a lower loggia (covered corridor), a middle balcony, and an upper balcony.<ref name=":2" /> Other nearby buildings in this style are [[Palazzo Barbaro]] and the [[Palazzo Giustinian (Dorsoduro)|Palazzo Giustinian]]. This linear style favoured by the Venetian architects was not superseded by [[Venetian Renaissance architecture]] until the end of the 15th century, or later.

The arches, windows, and loggia of the palace provide a variety of decorations that make it one of the most striking palazzo in Venice. Vertical emphasis is created by each level of the façade becoming more ornate as it reaches the top while horizontal emphasis is created by the [[balustrades]] on the balconies and the large [[cornice]] at the roofline.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite book |last1=Hartt |first1=Frederick |url=https://www.worldcat.org/title/430523019 |title=History of Italian Renaissance art: painting, sculpture, architecture |last2=Wilkins |first2=David G. |date=2011 |publisher=Prentice Hall |isbn=978-0-205-70581-8 |edition=7th |location=Upper Saddle River |oclc=430523019}}</ref>

Long rows of arches and windows face the canal that provide an abundance of natural lighting in the interior.<ref name=":3" /> The lower loggia contains a muti-arched entrance made up of [[Pointed arch|pointed arches]] that opens up into the canal with a [[gondola]] landing. The lower loggia's muti-arched entrance is made up of a central wide arch and a narrower arch flanking each side.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> The landing leads into a courtyard with a [[wellhead]], stairwell, and a small garden.<ref name=":3" />

On the ground floor, a recessed colonnaded [[loggia]] gives access to the entrance hall (''[[portego]] de mezo'') directly from the canal. Above this colonnade is the enclosed balcony of the principal salon on the ''[[piano nobile]]''. The columns and arches of this balcony have [[Corinthian Order|capitals]] which in turn support a row of [[quatrefoil]] windows; above this balcony is another enclosed balcony or loggia of a similar yet lighter design.

The scalloped cusping of the pointed arches allows for a [[contrapuntal]] effect, while the window's tracery patterns on the right side of the palace reflect Gothic elements.<ref name=":3" /> The uppermost level contains a row of pinnacles, which are an extension of the quatrefoil patterns below.<ref name=":52" /><ref name=":3" /> Made for purely an aesthetic purpose, the balls on each lobe of the [[pinnacle]] were covered with golden leaves.<ref name=":3" />

The palazzo got its name from the façade's original use of white and pale red stone with golden gilded accents.<ref name=":3" /> Gold was added to the building with Contarini's painter Zoane di Franza in 1431.<ref name=":1" /> To enhance the aesthetic appeal, the façade was crafted with stone from [[Istria]] that was treated with white lead and oil to create a marble-like sheen, while red Verona marble details were oiled to bring out their rich tonalities.<ref name=":52" /> Architectural elements such as the parapet balls, window finials, capitals, and moldings were all gilded, adding to the luxurious appearance.<ref name=":52" /> This combination of practical design and opulent decoration underscores the dual purpose of the Ca' d'Oro as both a functional space and a display of wealth and status.<ref name=":52" /> Over time, sun exposure dulled the white and pale red stone has worn away and the facade's gilded elements are no longer evident.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3" />  In fact, by 1600, no more gold decoration remained on the exterior, but with the palace's golden façade was already so well-known that it retained the title of Ca' d'Oro.<ref name=":1" />

== Restoration ==
The restoration of the Ca' d'Oro was led by Baron Giorgio Franchetti until his death on December 17, 1923.<ref name=":1" /> Franchetti was greatly attuned to detail and wanted to duplicate the technique of the previous accomplished architects.<ref name=":1" /> This led him to entrust {{III|Ferdinando Forlati|it|Ferdinando Forlati}} with assisting with this restoration, and Forlati was the one to assume leadership of the project after Franchetti's death.<ref name=":1" /> Forlati's assistant, Antonio Nardo, was also entrusted with this task by Franchetti, who requested that Nardo be recognized with the title of Conservator of the Ca' d'Oro.<ref name=":1" />

During his time working on the restoration of the building, Giorgio Franchetti was able to restore parts removed under the ownership of Marie Taglioni.<ref name=":0" /> These pieces notably included the red Verona marble well-head that was sculpted by Bartolomeo Bon.<ref name=":0" /> Franchetti also took it upon himself to compose the mosaic pavement in the entrance hall that was made out of Grecian marble and red marble from Verona.<ref name=":1" /> Along with these features, he also had the walls individually and uniquely carved.<ref name=":1" /> Although the ground floor was originally used for utilitarian function, Franchetti had marble facing added that concealed this role.<ref name=":0" /> Along with his project of restorating of the Ca' d'Oro, Baron Giorgio Franchetti donated the building to the public in 1916 and it was converted into a museum (see Provenance section below).

== Provenance ==
Following the [[fall of the Venetian Republic]] in 1797, the palace changed ownership several times. In 1846, Alessandro Trubetzkoi purchased the palace, which was in a ruinous state. Trubetzkoi gifted the palace to ballet dancer [[Marie Taglioni]], who sold notable architectural features from the building.<ref name=":0" />

Franchetti would also restore the palace after the reckless renovation of the architect, Trubetzkoi, which resulted in his imprisonment under charges of vandalism. In the end, many of the Gothic features, including the stairway of the inner courtyard and the balconies which overlooked the courtyard, were removed.

In 1894, the palace was acquired by its last owner, baron [[Giorgio Franchetti]]. Some of the architectural elements that had been sold by Marie Taglioni were recovered by Franchetti, such as the [[red Verona marble]] wellhead by Bartolomeo Bon.<ref name=":0" /> 

Throughout his lifetime, he amassed an important art collection and personally oversaw its extensive restoration, including the reconstruction of the stairway and the Cosmatesque courtyard with ancient marble.  In 1916, Franchetti bequeathed the Ca' d'Oro to the Italian State.  It is now open to the public as a gallery: [[Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca' d'Oro]].

== Museum ==
The gallery houses the collection of works of art collected by Giorgio Franchetti in his life. Following the donation to the Italian State in 1916 and in preparation for the museum, the Franchetti collection was accompanied by some state collections from which most of the bronzes and sculptures on display come from, as well as numerous Venetian and Flemish paintings.

Among the most valuable works are the San Sebastiano by [[Andrea Mantegna]] and the Portrait of Marcello Durazzo by [[Anthony van Dyck|Antoon van Dyck]].

In addition to the exhibition rooms, the museum houses various laboratories for the conservation and restoration of works of art.

<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px">

File:Venezia Ca' d'Oro Innenhof 12.jpg|The courtyard
File:Venezia Ca' d'Oro Innenhof 07.jpg|[[Cosmatesque]] floor in the ''portego'' 
File:Ca d Oro Cortile e portale Venezia.jpg|Rear doorway, to the street
File:Ca' d'oro, cappella, coffitto a cassettoni con decori a rilievo, XV sec..JPG|15th-century ceiling
File:The Casa d Oro Venice Ruskin.jpg|Pencil and watercolour by [[John Ruskin]]. (1845)
File:Ca' d' Oro - panoramio.jpg|Canal entrance during a flood
File:Ca' d'oro, una sala al secondo piano 02.JPG|An exhibition hall on the second floor of the building
</gallery>

== See also ==
* [[List of buildings and structures in Venice]]

== References==
{{reflist}}

* {{cite book|last=Goy|first=Richard J.|title=The House of Gold|location=Cambridge|year=1992}}
* {{cite book|first=Edoardo|last=Arslan|title=Venezia gotica: l'architettura civile gotica veneziana|location=Milano|publisher=Electa|year=1979|pages=225–237}}
* {{cite book|first=Marcello|last=Brusegan|title=I Palazzi di Venezia|publisher=Newton & Compton|location=Roma|year=2007|pages=275–279|isbn=978-88-541-0820-2|ref=Brusegan}}
* {{cite book|first=Andrea|last=Fasolo|title=Palazzi di Venezia|publisher=Arsenale editrice|year=2003|pages=16–21|isbn=978-88-7743-295-7|ref=Fasolo}}
* {{cite book|first=Francesco Paolo|last=Fiore|title=Storia dell'architettura italiana: il Quattrocento|location=Milano|publisher=Electa|year=1998|pages=200–241}}
* {{cite book|first=Gino|last=Fogolari|title=Regia galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla ca' d'Oro di Venezia|location=Roma|publisher=La Libreria dello Stato|year=1936}}
* {{cite book|first=Sandra|last=Moschini Marconi|title=Galleria G. Franchetti alla ca'd'Oro: Venezia|location=Roma|publisher=Istituto poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato|year=1992}}
* {{cite book|first=Inga|last=Tourmann|title=Venezia: Leggi e ascolta|location=Hamburg|publisher=Jourist Verlags GmbH|isbn=978-3-89-894504-2}}

== External links ==
{{commons category|Ca' d'oro (Venice)}}
*[https://www.cadoro.org Galleria Giorgio Franchetti] {{in lang|it}}
*[https://maps.google.com/maps?q=venice,+italy&ll=45.441073,12.332926&spn=0.003004,0.010274&t=k&hl=en Satellite image from Google Maps]
*[http://smarthistory.org/ca-doro/ Ca' d'Oro on Smarthistory]

{{Sequence
| prev = [[Bridge of Sighs]]
| list = Venice landmarks
| curr = Ca' d'Oro
| next = [[Ca' Foscari]]
}}
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{{Venice landmarks}}
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{{coord|45|26|26|N|12|20|02|E|display=title|region:IT_type:landmark_source:dewiki}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ca' d'Oro}}
[[Category:Buildings and structures completed in 1430]]
[[Category:Art museums and galleries in Venice]]
[[Category:Historic house museums in Italy]]
[[Category:House of Contarini]]
[[Category:Museums in Venice]]
[[Category:Palaces in Sestiere Cannaregio]]
[[Category:Palaces on the Grand Canal (Venice)]]
[[Category:Gothic palaces in Venice]]
[[Category:National museums of Italy]]
[[Category:1827 establishments in Italy]]