Navicella (mosaic)

The Navicella Giotto is a representation of the little boat of Peter, which adorned the facade of the old St Peter's Basilica in Rome ( the former building of the present St. Peter's Basilica ) since 1298. The mosaic is one of the most famous works of Giotto. It was demolished in the course of which began in the 16th century under Pope Julius II rebuilding of the basilica from its original location. After the work had relocated several times in the following years, it became so badly damaged during a storm in 1606 that a restoration was impossible. 1674 issued by Pope Clement X. mosaic artist Orazio Manenti commissioned to recreate the Navicella in St. Peter's Basilica. Manenti made ​​use of this time of the contemporary Baroque style and became only the original image program. To date, there is the mosaic above the central portal of the portico.