Pala d'Oro

Pala d'Oro (Italian, "Golden Panel") is the high altar retable of the Basilica di San Marco in Venice.

[1] In 1345, the goldsmith Giovanni Paolo Bonesegna was commissioned to complete the altarpiece by Andrea Dandolo, who was the procurator at the time, and later became doge.

[3] Paolo Veneziano was commissioned to make wood panels to provide a cover (Pala Feriale) for when the altarpiece was not on display.

In the 15th century, Veneziano's "exterior" altarpiece was replaced by a wooden panel which remains today, though the Pala is now always open.

In 1995, Veneziano's wooden Pala Feriale cover underwent conservation treatment funded by the non-profit organization Save Venice Inc.

The enamels in the top section of the Pala d'Oro contain the Archangel Michael at the center, with six images depicting the Life of Christ on either side of him, which were added in 1209.

[2] It's generally thought that these weren't originally part of the altarpiece, as their stylistic features place them into the 12th century, and they were probably looted during the Fourth Crusade.

[10] There are also scratches on the enamel from when the previous head was removed, and some type of wax or paste was used to fill in the gaps where the replacement piece didn't exactly fit.