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Novelty of the column capitals
In the Saint Salvador church the structural and decorative architecture obeys precise laws: the larger columns (ordine maggiore) are surmounted by capitals in the Corinthian style, whereas the smaller ones (ordine minore) have capitals in the Ionic style. However, if we observe the columns along the northern side of the church, we'll notice that two of them have a symbolic figure in the centre of their capitals: the Pelican.
The pelican feeds its young by pointing its beak against its breast to make the fish it has in its throat come out. Legend has it that the pelican feeds its young by opening its breast and feeding them its blood. Jesus is likened to the pelican, giving us His Body and Blood in sacramental form. For Christians the pelican is the symbol of Christ's love; Christ dies on the cross and gives his life for the salvation of the world.
In an ancient Eucharistic hymn, written by Thomas Aquinas, the pelican is invoked as Jesus:
"Pie pellicane, Jesu Domine,
me immundum munda tuo sanguine,
cuius una stilla salvum facere,
totum mundum quit ab omni scelere.
Holy Pelican, Jesus, Lord,
Cleanse me, who am unclean, with your blood, Whose one drop can save the whole word
From all its uncleanness".
Worthy of mention are also the chiselled pelicans on the next to last of the columns along the outer facade of Palazzo Ducale, towards Ponte della Paglia.
Palazzo ducale, south-est angle, Capitello (external copy: 1884-1887)
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