The Bargello is a smaller museum in Florence, but the sculpture it holds is internationally renown. Inside are works from Michelangelo, Donatello, and Ghiberti, but perhaps my favorite were from Mannerist artist Giambologna. Giambologna was a Flemish sculptor known for dynamic, unconventional poses with multiple figures. He worked and thrived in Florence where a number of his works are scattered throughout the city, not only in this museum but also in the Piazza Signoria, where I went for a previous Sketchbook course. (Unknowingly at the time I also focused on work from the same artist). When studying Mannerist art at home I was admittedly indifferent to the awkward, tension filled paintings and sculpture, but seeing it in person I find myself drawn to it, and it makes me want to work on the figure a lot more and really explore the attributes of the movement in my own work (I am finding inspiration from way too many things here! It's hard to focus on one idea).
Venice was one of the top places to visit on my trip to Italy, and although it was cold and rainy, I still really enjoyed my time there. The cathedral there is much different in comparison with the others I've seen in Italy; it is filled with Byzantine murals decorated with the typical gold leaf of the time, making the church look very lavish (which is interesting considering the church there emphasized turning away from material wealth). The canals run through the entire city, with light colored water reminiscent of the Caribbean, with gondolas and small motorboats taking the place of cars in this city.
We came at a very exciting time in Florence as it was the Bienalle here, with many galleries showing contemporary artists from around the world. My favorite was from photo realist painter Tong Honsheng. This mural covered a wall more than 20 feet long, and it was by far one of the most inspiring works of art I have seen since I got here.. or ever. Its vivid, warm colors, and astounding attention to detail, I felt instantly calm, and lighter when looking at this piece. It felt as though I could walk right into the painting and become part of the scene. I could've looked at it for hours and had a really hard time walking away from it, but we really didn't have much time in Venice and there was a lot to see!
We spent the night in Padua, which was a smaller college city. We got there late and left early in the morning so there wasn't much time to go out and explore. We headed to Verona, where I got to see my friend Heidi from home! She studied in England and met Fabio, the love of her life, and is visiting him here in Verona. (The sweetest story ever!) They took some of my friends and I around the city. We got to see the Montague house from the story of Romeo and Juliet, with Juliet's balcony! It was filled with tourists, but still adorable. There was a cast iron fence with thousands of locks on it, placed there by couples to symbolize their love. (Italy is seriously the most romantic place on earth!) My friend and I decided to put a lock on the gate. My camera died, and Heidi is a photographer so she was nice enough to send some of her images my way to share :)
The Balcony
Me climbing up the gate to put our lock on! (One of my favorite pictures from Italy so far)
The Lovers' Locks <3
Statue of Giulietta
Other pictures of Verona that I loved
The Arena
Heidi and I on the Ponte Pietra
View from the hill
After leaving Verona, we went to a winery in Valpolicella for a wine tasting. We learned how the wine is made, and the proper way to experience the wine. Needless to say we all fell asleep easily on the bus on the way home! I loved Venice and Verona, and being that we didn't have a lot of time there I would really love to go back again.
Can i be you now?
ReplyDelete