Bonjourno!
Hello everyone! Let me know how y'all are doing. I would be lying if I said I didn't miss everyone. How is life? What is new? Views on the war? You know, whatever floats your boat. :)
We have been studying and discussing the Italian Renaissance in length, and it is really incredible to actually experience first hand a lot of the famous architectural structures created in the 14, 15, 1600's.
The creepy statue pictured above is by Donatello and is of Mary Magdelane. It is an interesting piece that can be viewed in several different ways. From first glance it is a wood carving of immense tragedy, sadness, and depression. However, when one puts it in perspective and aligns it with her story it would seem as if while that may have been her lowest point, she recognizes that she has been forgiven over and over again. There is almost a sense of humility and respect. The knowledge and wisdom she has is so immense. We have really been analyzing a lot pieces--it is a lot of fun. This particular piece is one of my favorites.
Things at the convent are great. I wake up every morning to the group of nuns chanting and singing in the chapel below my room. They are very nice and speak French so I have been able to communicate with them.
Other pictures: A very dramatic depiction of the crucification of Jesus. This was an early Renaissance piece that does not shy away from the gory aspect of his death. We can tell it is early Renaissance primarily because of the way Jesus' body has been depicted. While it is very much in human form, the realism attached with it is not so obvious. It is not incredibly human-like as where in the Renaissance we would see a very detailed, humanistic depiction of an individual. The David by Michelangelo is often a symbol of this Renaissance humanism and orientation towards the realistic more desirable body. Oh man! I could go on and on! I love it.
A really good friend of mine, Tess. We climbed up the Duom (Florence's biggest, and the 5th largest church in the world).
Other pictures from the top of the dome.
Ok. That is it for now. I love you all.
Ciao.
Alex
PS: I am sure I have spelt several words incorrectly. For example, Renaissance. I never know how to spell it. I could be right, but I am probably not. Oh well.
2 comments:
Hi Sweetheart,
I hope this works! It's taken me this long just to figure out how to log on! Yikes, I better get with the times I guess! ha. Wow, what wonderful photos! Breath taking, what an experience, I'm glad you feel so safe where you are! you should feel safe, after all you are in God's home. How delightful waking to the sounds of chapel bells and chanting, do you feel a bit like you're at your grandma's house? The convent that you're staying in looks very peaceful and quaint. Are you eating alright? How's the food? The weather looks beautiful!! Today it is beautiful here as well, I believe it is to get into the mid to upper 70's for a couple of days or so, yeah! great weather to be painting the outside of our house!
Well, stay safe and healthy! We love you so, so much and miss you too!
Hugs and Kisses,
Mom
Alex:
Love your pictures! Are there any flying nuns? (Your to young to remember an old TV show). Fossatti wants to know if you have picked up any Italian over there?
Any interesting sightseeing finds? Keep posting the pictures we love to see them.
Love you,
Dad
Post a Comment