Patera with zoomorphic motif

Patera representing a bird with a fish hanging from its beak (nineteenth century imitation).
The patera is an ornamental, circular-shaped bas relief typical of the area of the Lagoon of Venice, dating to a period between the late tenth and twelfth century. Applied to both the inside and the outside of buildings, it was made of Greek marble and Istrian stone, generally depicting an animal subject. The Fontego dei Turchi palace is adorned with several paterae and embossed tiles representing a unique collection of the Venetian-Byzantine zoomorphic sculpture.
The motif on this patera inspired the modern emblem of the Museum.