Pala d'Oro

Pala d'Oro

• Also known as Golden Cloth, the Pala d'Oro is the high altar re table at the Bascilica di San Marco.
• It is globally recognised as one of the most refined and accomplished works of Byzantine enamel, both front and rear sides full of decoration.
• It is 2.97 meter wide, 2 meter tall. Made of gold and silver, consist of 187 enamel plaques, 1927 gems, 526 pearls, 330 garnets, 320 emeralds, 225 sapphires, 183 amethysts, 175 agates, 75 rubies, 34 topazes, 16 carnelians and 13 jaspers. 

Consists of 2 parts, top and bottom. At the top section contain the Archangel Michael at the centre, with 6 images showing the Life of Christ in neither side of him which was added at 1209.

 

• It shows the Entry of Christ to Jerusalem, Descent into Limbo, Crucifixon, Ascension, Pentecost and Death of Virgin. 
• The bottom part shows the life of St. Mark and created in 1105 at Constantinople, these were at first along the base but have been moved to their current position along the side and top row. 
   
• At the bottom also shows Christ at the centre of the altarpiece and 4 circular enamels around him are the Four Evangelist. To the right and left are the Twelve Apostles, 6 to each side. 
• Above Christ is an empty throne representing The Last Judgement Day & the Second Coming of Christ.
• Underneath Christ and the Apostles are 12 Prophets and Virgin at the centre.
  
• On the left is Doge Ordelaffo Falier and right is Byzantine Empress Irene. The head of Doge Ordelaffo is removed and replaced with a new one, that is why it is smaller than the porpotion of the body.
• There have been theories that the previous head depicts an Emperor but the explanation does not fit. 
  
• This is the finished piece of Pala d'Oro, it has been expanded and developed since 976 until 1345 with its wood cover done.