The Art of Tuscany
Nov 11 2015 · 0 comments · Art Exhibits & Events, Travel ·0
Italy is an Artist’s Paradise and the Tuscany region in particular is replete with outstanding works of art, both modern and classic. Art is everywhere in this region, and when I visited in September I was on sensory overload ~ between the architecture, the views of quilt-like vineyards, and the museum art my heart was a flutter.
Come take a peek at some of the varied and beautiful art I encountered during my September trip…
As I entered the center of Sienna this statue caught my eye. There are exquisite statues everywhere and if you don’t turn your head in every direction you just might miss one smiling down on you.
Many shops are filled with shelf after shelf, stacks and stacks of hand-painted pieces of pottery in brilliant colors. Just imagine how breathtaking a table set with different pieces of pottery would be! Each region in Italy has a slightly unique style of painted dishes and bowls ~ what a wonderful excuse for another trip…
Of course I’m a fashion lover and no where is more fashionable than Italy. The Italians have truly elevated fashion to an art form. Just look at these metallic shoes for men…do you think we would ever see these in Boston? Not sure, but if I did I would be thrilled.
The Piazza del Campo is the principal public space of the historical center of Sienna. The cathedral and the buildings are architecture at it’s most beautiful. Piazza del Campo is regarded as one of Europe’s finest examples of medieval style. The Palio de Sienna, a horse race where the jockeys ride bareback is held twice a year at the edges of the piazza ~ what a sight that must be!
Throughout my travels in Europe I have often seen the beautiful chalk work of sidewalk artists. Their talent is truly astounding. It saddens me that when it rains these masterpieces are literally washed away ~ I guess that’s one way to get a blank canvas.
And of course, the Art of Food… There were pastry and confection shops seemingly everywhere. No time for a diet here!
The Uffizi Palace was designed by architect Giorgio Vasari in 1560. Commissioned by the Medici family, originally the Uffizi housed the offices of the city government. In 1581 Francesco I managed to commandeer some rooms for an art collection. This was the beginning of one of the most complete art galleries of Italy and one of the most outstanding art galleries in the world.
As I mentioned before, I try to take all views into account including the ceiling in one of the corridors. Aren’t they extraordinary?
I have worked on the top of a wall with a custom stencil and some hand painting and it was exhausting. I just can’t imagine doing an entire ceiling with such detail…
Many of the European museums are filled with significant religious art. Our tour guide told us that in this painting Mary’s dress color as well as the way the baby Jesus is seated are symbolic.
The Birth of Venus by Botticelli is one of my favorite paintings in the Ufizzi. Botticelli studied in the school of Fra Filippo Lippi and caught the attention of Medici Family. Of Botticelli and his work it has been said, “His visions are those of a dreamer; his composition are not unified or centrally focused. On the contrary, one must read them by shifting the eyes, following the lines which seem to flow with a soft, musical rhythm.”
This painting, the Doni Tondo by Michelangelo, was created 1506-1508 and was the only painting Michelangelo painted in Florence. It was commissioned by a private wealthy banker. The figures of Mary, Joseph, and the Child, are grouped in a single volume with Mary rotating. In the background you will see nudes that symbolize that pagan humanity is still ignorant of Christian doctrine.
I couldn’t take my eyes off of the beautifully carved Michelangelo designed wooden frame. Amazing details!
San Gimignano is a walled city that we visited for a day. It is similar to Sienna only a bit smaller (and more charming in my humble opinion). I happened upon a very contemporary gallery and absolutely loved the artists they represented. As I entered I was greeted by this lovely girl, created in mixed media with wiring and metal and some sculpture. 
The effect was soft and spellbinding.
The next 2 pieces were in the same style but seated together. I imagined them to be friends talking about the passage of time…
I had {another} amazing trip to Italy with a great group of women. I sincerely believe that travel, near or far, is good for the soul.
Perhaps this glimpse into the art of Tuscany will inspire you to travel ~ or bring back fond memories of trips past. I know that I just can’t stop dreaming of Italy…
Ciao!
xo,
Pamela
0
