Visual Arts, Columbia University, New York

This course examines ways of looking and ways of seeing, both personally & professionally as artists and in a larger cultural context. Through field trips to contemporary art and other cultural sites, conversations with visiting critical thinkers and practicioners, readings, discussions, and visual & written responses, we will examine how we look, think, act, create and respond--critically questioning our own artistic practices and ways of looking at the world.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Civitali's Gabriel lost his wings.  It makes him closer to us (if not for the unusual slanted/suspended posture and unfortunate
gravitational forces). Empty wings' slots in his back, yet, not a fallen angel.
I'm sticking to Renaissance Firenze and find (sorry, but again)Bennozzo Gozzoli's work from 1460 "Saint Zenobius Resuscitating a Dead child, saint Peter and Simon Magus; the conversion of Saint Paul; Totila before saint Benedict" tempera on wood.  This four panel piece (on top) was commissioned by the florentine patrician and powerful Alessandri family to update an altarpiece made 150 years before.

I
I particularly like the second from right: Saint Paul is falling from his horse at the apparition of Christ.  The "apparition" itself is particularly interesting.  A golden "blob"hanging at the top while most of its circular shape is out of frame.  A golden transparent ray is hitting the fallen saint's left eye.  Zooming in I detect a carefully depicted celestial scene with christ and cherubs surrounding the throne.
Just one more. Fra Filippo Lippi (1406-1469)"saint Lawrence Enthroned with saints and Donors" tempera on wood, gold ground.  The painting was commissioned by the same Florentine patrician, Alessandri, in the 1440s.
  
What is particularly interesting to me here are is the damaged surfaces, the attempts to restore the piece throughout the ages.  The saint is depicted enthroned.  His feet are resting on the grill on which he was martyred. Just under his feet as part of the floor, there is a damaged area that might be still unrestored.  An original "rug" perhaps. It is a painting within a painting. (and I'm wildly associating a Klee painting)
On the left side, with a red background, (a hint of the "real" red robe of a saint or a donor) I could swear, there's a figure standing (torso), leaning, looking outward at us.   

No comments:

Post a Comment