This statue, apparently with an itchy back, decorates the facade of the 17th Century church of Santa Maria dei Derelitti, also known as the Ospedaleto, due to its proximity to the Ospedale (Venice’s main hospital).
Inside are several paintings attributed to Tiepolo.
The church is in Salizzada Santi Giovanni e Paolo in Castello.
The statues, designed to look as though they are supporting the building on their backs, are by Flemish sculptor Juste le Court who was influential in Venetian sculpture during the 1670s. More of his work can be seen among the statues of the high altar in Santa Maria della Salute, Venice.
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