Venice. The Frari’s Basilica. The Altar of St. Anthony. The present altar was built in 1663. It replaced the original wooden altar of which remains only the statue of the Saint by Giacomo di Caterino of S. Salvador (1450). The project of this monumental work is by Baldassarre Longhena (1598-1682), but the work was mastered by Giuseppe Sardi (1621-1699), with the help of talented artists working in Venice. From the polychrome marble floor with geometric shapes six white steps lead up to the altar which is nested in an immense structure, formed by two overlaid levels (the first level is quite high while the second is much shorter). The altar is rich with marble sculptures and statues which centralize the figure of the Saint, surrounded by angels and symbolic figures of the theological and cardinal virtues. The altar fills the entire space offered by chapel width wise whereas length wise it touches the point of the arch where the Christ Resurrected stands. Four large white Carrara marble composite columns frame the statue of the Saint. Faith and Hope, on either side, and Christ Resurrected on top are work of Bernardo Falcone of Lugano (+1694). Above Faith and Charity and Prudence and, on the pediment, Justice and Meditation. Up above, resting on the curvilinear tympanum, Temperance and Fortitude. These were all sculptured by the Flemish Giusto le Court (1627-1679). Near the column there is a beautiful holy water stoup in marble on which stands the bronze statue by Girolano Campagna (1609). Previously called the Mansuetudine (Meekness), thi figure portrays St, Agnes who is holding a fragment of palm leaf of martyrdom in her left hand, while a lamb rests in her right.