Neapolitan Nativity Scene
In Naples, where the most elaborate creations eventually took place, we have a record of a Presepe given by Queen Sancia to the Poor Clares in 1370. Development was subsequently rapid, with artists such as Giovanni and Pietro Alemanno and Giovanni da Nola. The Presepe became mobile, based on wooden sculptures crafted to scale. Artisans became ever more skilled in creating the “pastori”, eventually adding articulated limbs, wigs, glass eyes, lifelike bare skin. At the same time the background was developing, the setting became important. Perspective and special illumination were used, decorative elements were added, attention was paid to colors and the use of reflective surfaces. In effect the Presepe outstripped its original function of representing the bare Nativity, and became an artistic ideal in its own right, becoming more and more secularized in the process. The scope of the representation also expanded: it was now not just the shepherds and the Magi who came to worship the newborn Christ, but people from all walks of life, the baker, the butcher, the candle-maker…, all in the typical dress of their day and trade.
The Nativity scene is of course represented in very many countries all over the world, and it is fascinating to see how native cultural elements are incorporated into the Diversorium. The pastori exhibit local physiognomies and local dress, architectural elements echo the architecture of the country, vegetation and other decorative elements are modeled after local examples. The fidelity that is lost in giving up the attempt to represent the Palestinian landscape of 2000 years ago is more than made up for by the ecumenical union of all believers and by the implicit declaration that the event represented transcends any local characterization and holds a message for all mankind.
In Naples, particularly, we find that unique blend of classicism and religious art that had swept the Peninsula since the Quattrocento. Thus, a Neapolitan Presepe may depict the grotto of the Nativity next to Roman columns, with the Vesuvio in the background and perhaps even the sea, Naples’ sea, somewhere in the scene. Today the most spectacular collection of Presepi is found at the Museo di San Martino in Naples. In these examples, rich in baroque detail and symbolism, some of the figures may be arrayed in valuable cloth and may be wearing real jewels.
The artistic/religious theme began to wane in the 19th century, and the Presepe became a commercial commodity, within reach of most families who wanted to recreate the Nativity scene, in a more or less simplified form, in their own homes. Today one can buy most representational elements in a wide variety of sizes and assemble them at home – typically a joyous activity that involves the whole family. A famous street in Naples, San Gregorio Armeno, houses most Neapolitan Presepe artisans, and the neighborhood comes alive every Christmas as hordes of Neapolitans and tourists alike prowl the shops in search of pastori, I Re Magi, il Bue e l’Asinello, the Angels, il Bebe’, and perhaps the Tavern-Keeper and the Shoe Maker.
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
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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
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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
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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.
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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″
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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