Italian Nativity Scene
The Nativity Scene, called the “Presepe” in Italian, began with Saint Francis of Assisi, who re-enacted the scene of Christ’s birth in a living tableau in Greccio in 1223. While conventional two-dimensional representations of the Nativity were plentiful in medieval and Renaissance Italy, the idea of a three-dimensional representation achieved via sculpted figures was slow to take off. The earliest known artist to have attempted this was Arnolfo di Cambio, who, in 1283, created a representation “del tutto tondo”, in his own words. But it was not until the first half of the Seicento that great advances in this new art form were made, starting in Lombardia and Liguria and then extending elsewhere. The artists associated with these advances were Antonio Bagarelli at Modena, Guido Mazzoni a Piobbico, Federico Brandani at Urbino, etc.
There are three themes that are played out in the Presepe. They are the Mystery, the Annunciation, and the Diversorium. The Mystery is of course, in Christian doctrine, the mystery of the Son of God taking on a human nature for the salvation of mankind, The Annunciation in this context refers to announcing the fateful event to the world, symbolised by the shepherds receiving word from the Angel. The Diversorium is a fancy Latin word which refers to the location, in this case the hut, in which the holy birth takes place.
The tale of the Nativity on which the Presepe is based can be found in Luke and Matthew. Origen added the now canonical bue e asinello in the third century. A point of deep theological import was the depiction of the Virgin Mary. Should she be represented as a woman who had just given birth, attended by midwives and fortune tellers, as was common at that time? Or should she be shown immune to the stress and the pain of human childbirth? The former representation emphasised heavily the human nature of Christ; the second brought to the fore His divine nature, making it seem that his birth had not been of the normal human variety.
The Presepe as an art form reached its zenith in the Bourbon Naples of the 18th century. A later article will detail its progress from these small beginning to the baroque masterpieces housed at the Museo di San Martino.
Medieval Silver
Revisiting my small antique collection is what inspired this painting. I take great pleasure in looking at and touching metal and glass objects, taking in the reflections and the historical, artistic and pragmatic meaning of each object which is ultimately dictated by its daily use.
Acrylic/Mixed media with metallic colors. Large contemporary piece - 3D effects, 24″ x 30″, unframed
Free shipping and handling
Italian Melagrana
A beautiful rendering in acrylic of this quintessentially Mediterranean fruit, perfect in all details, lustrous and seductive. A perfect riposte to the “life is a bowl of cherries” metaphor. The beauty of this slightly six-sided fruit is so awesome one can barely take his eyes off this ball of deep fire. So silky to the touch… it hurts to cut it up, but as we do the preciousness of it all comes to life in the transparent ruby/garnet red of each tiny jewel. How can anyone resist its lure? The flavor is so deep, rich, and complex, so velvety and yet at the same time sharp, that one can only be grateful for the gift of taste buds. How can one hold back from painting this shout of glory to the senses!!
Description: 14″ by 11″ acrylic on board, measures 1″ by 15″ framed
Free shipping and handling
Timeless Roman
This large piece is both soothing and thought provoking as it quietly proposes the passage of time and, simultaneously, its staying power. Starting from left to right according to western tradition we browse through the past, viewing an ancient Roman garden urn sitting on a tattered wall. In the background the profile of a roman aristocratic woman is almost colorless yet it subtly dominates the composition. She, a Patrician, born to occupy a higher social position, refuses to be forgotten, in spite of the centuries past and the broken round shapes that encircle her. Time travel continues through the unchanged and glorified symbols of grapes and trees. A Representational Abstract.
Dimensions are 36″ by 24″, unframed. Acrylic on canvas
Free shipping and handling
Tuscan Cypresses
An iconic representation of a Tuscan landscape, stripped to its basic symbolism. The cypresses in the foreground seem to be guarding the idyllic landscape beyond, allowing but a glimpse, almost daring the casual visitor to venture farther. The soft colors and graceful decorative elements are a treat to the eye.
Acrylic on canvas, dimensions are 36″ by 24″, unframed.
Free shipping and handling
Verona, Italy
An eclectic Italian banquet overlooking the city of Verona. Prepared no doubt for a contemporary Romeo and Juliet. A sampling of southern cuisine can be glimpsed on the table, along with a Neapolitan coffeemaker. Is the artist sending a message on this 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy?
Acrylic, 16″ by 12″, unframed. This painting was used as the cover of Timothy Holmes’ detective novel set in Italy, “The Neapolitan Streak”
Italian Wine Shadow
An elegant study in shadow rendering and perspective. Makes you feel like you should be able to reach out and pour your guest a glass of Italian wine.
Unframed dimensions 8 x 10 Acrylic on Canvas, sold framed.
Prints available, touched up and signed by the artist. $450 (16”x20’), $600 (18”x24”0)
Free shipping and handling
Italian Blue
A dreamy haze suffuses this stylized Italian seascape, as befits a scene of fantasy and myth. Yet it is unmistakably Italian. The far perspective hints at unfinished journeys in time and space and at further beauties beyond the horizon.
Acrylic on canvas, LARGE PIECE. Dimensions are 30″ by 40″, unframed. Deep 1.5″ gallery wrap canvas requires no framing.
Free shipping and handling
Italian Tulips
Tulips can brighten up anyone’s day not to mention their home. This italian painting of tulips brings out the contemporary style usually only available at much higher prices. This is a 3D mixed media piece meant to make you feel happy and colorful inside, an Italian bubbling Carnival of colors
Size: 18″ x 24″, unframed.
Venezia Impressionista
This painting captures the Venetian dawn like no other. With the vibrant and warm colors clashing with the shadows this piece is sure to add to the elegance and style of any home or office.
Dimensions are 11″ by 14″, acrylic on canvas, unframed.
Free shipping and handling
Biancheria Veneziana
A whimsical mixed media production to delight and brighten a young lady’s room, or an amusing parody of an old Italian stereotype.
Mixed media. Dimensions are 28″ by 22″, unframed.
Free shipping and handling
Italian Nude
An intimate look at a graceful pose. Earthy yet elegant.
Framed, acrylic on board, 25″ by 35″. Unframed size is 18″ by 24″
Free shipping and handling
Books with Vase
Puts you in a mind of an easy leather chair in your library, a good book to peruse( leather-bound, of course), an Italian liqueur to sip, and a Havana cigar to savor.
Dimensions are 11″ by 14″ unframed. Acrylic on canvas board.
Tintoretto
An oh so typical Venetian sight! No canals, but unmistakably Venetian nevertheless.
24″ by 20″ acrylic painting on canvas giclee. This painting started as a digital photo on canvas. The 1.5″ deep canvas wrap does not require framing.
Free shipping and handling
Tuscan Rage
A surreal, energetic landscape expressing a moment of rage, redeemed by the soothing colors of forgiveness, tender pinks and purples, in which the distant hills are clad.
Dimensions are 18″ by 24″, unframed. Acrylic on canvas.
Free shipping and handling
Maestro Napoletano
A lively homage to an old Neapolitan master, this work is timeless in its simplicity. Lets you relax by the seashore even when you cannot travel.
Mixed media, 24″ by 36″, unframed.
Free shipping and handling
Prospettiva Enologica
An uncompromising and skillful study in perspective, this mellow bottle will add a touch of Italian class to your bar or dining room.
Dimensions are 10″ by 20″, framed, 1.5″ deep canvas.
Free shipping and handling
Loading...
