Description:
Porta della Carta, the main gateway to the Doge's Palace, consists of a large square-headed opening surmounted by the figure of Doge Francesco Foscari, for whom it was built, kneeling before the winged lion of St. Mark. Above this is a large traceried window, and crowning the gate a complex gable arch. It was chosen for restoration both because of general decay, especially of the statues in the niches and of the sculpture generally, and because - with the guidance of Kenneth Hempel, formerly of the Victoria and Albert Museum of London - the Foundation "Venice in Peril" could offer advanced technical aid. Delicate work in restoring the different sorts of stone and removing old incrustations and dirt, so cleaning and preserving it for the future.