BREGNO, Giovanni Battista
(b. 1467-77, d. after 1518)

Monument to Benedetto Pesaro

c. 1505
Marble
Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, Venice

The monument to Benedetto Pesaro adorns the whole doorway that leads into the Sacristy of the church of Frari. Captain General of the Venetian fleet, he achieved great victories over the Turks, winning back the islands of Leucade and Cefalonia. He died in Corfu in 1503 and in his will asked to be buried in the Frari. The work was carried out on his death by Lorenzo and Giambattista Bregno.

Four beautiful columns of composite order support the Renaissance monument. The two outside columns support Neptune (on the left), and Mars (on the right). The latter is a work of the Tuscan follower of Michelangelo, Baccio di Montelupo.

On the front of the sarcophagus, in bas-relief are reproduced the fortresses of Leucade and Cefalonia, conquered by the Captain, Pesaro himself is standing, armed and with a sailor's hat.

The sole religious symbol is the Virgin high up in the tympanum.