Guilty as charged

10th May 2008

Around 10 years ago there was a great deal of excitement about the 500th Anniversary of the death of one of the greatest Renaissance painters, Piero Della Francesca. I remember being on holiday in Italy at the time and tearing around with Marito to various churches, museums and small towns to see as much of his work as possible as quickly as we could, The Piero Trail.

There were so many highlights, including my personal favourite, the serene Madonna Del Parto , but the one that perhaps stands out the most in terms of its sheer magnificence is the Legend of the True Cross fresco cycle in Arezzo. As a story it has all the intrigue of The Lord of the Rings, spanning over 5,000 years from the death of Adam to the return of the cross to Jerusalem.

In the middle there is the search for healing oil from the Wood of Mercy, the theatrical angel appearing to Constantine in his beautifully illuminated campaign tent and two tremendous battle scenes. It appears exactly as it would have done, except for the damage caused by earthquakes, lightning, nearby building works and, perhaps the worst of all evils, if you're a fresco, damp.

I took some photographs, although I did get told off for doing so. Flash photography causes terrible damage to a fresco, I was once told that one flash was the equivalent of 10 days subdued sunlight, so I am always careful to not use it. So when I asked (politely) why it was wrong, it seems the reason is now copyright. After 510 years I doubt whether Piero Della Francesca would really care that much.

Anyway, guilty as charged, here they are. The idea is to make other people want to go and pay to see the frescoes, so I guess it all works out ok in the end.

The History of Art really is food for the soul, it's history with pictures, a wonderful subject for anyone with their eyes open to ideas and creativity and, whether or not you love the art, it represents an aspect of human endeavour which shapes the world we live in.

Seems like nature’s doing a pretty good job too, it being so juicy green and blooming beautiful around here these days.

Best thing I ate;

Panino

Sometimes the best thing you eat has less to do with the actual food itself and more to do with the location in which you eat it, or the company you're with. So it was with my Panino con Tonno e Capperi, oily and delicious indeed, but it would hardly have drawn a crowd. 
However, add to it the location, (a bustling outside café under Vasari’s gracious loggia in the stunning town of Arezzo) the company, (two of my favourite Italophiles and fellow bloggers, the olive notes) a little sunshine and the famous Fiera Antiquaria.

Mix it all up and stick that in a Panino – ‘perfetto’!

Comments

[amanda]

Thank you so much for all the comments, they always make our day.

Antonina - That panino sounds delicious.

Jackie - Urbino is on my list of must sees. The Madonna del parto is worth a return trip. You won't regret it.

Donna Amanda - Thanks for stopping by and for the link.

Leslie - Those Swiss Guards are a bit freaky.

Sarah - We call that fresco neck!

Ilva - Thanks for the compliment, you're very kind.

Ciao tutti

[ilva]

Beautiful photos! I think that the copyright issue is strange, I just have to look into that...and that poppy photo is absolutely wonderful, I wish I had shot it!

[Brit' Gal Sarah]

Everytime I have visited Italy I have been ever more stunned by the incredble art treasures around every corner. I think I left with a crick in my neck after my last visit to Rome, from hours staring at ceilings in awe :-)

[Leslie]

When I was at the Vatican, I took a photo of a Swiss Guard and he came rushing towards me saying "No Photos!" He was so young, but tall and very very angry! But I got the picture anyway! I do remember we were told NOT to take photos in the Sistine Chapel, I guess for the same reason you mentioned about the damage it can do. ALL the food in Italy is fantastico and the people are so very friendly. You are so lucky to be living there. :D

[Joe@italyville]

you're so right Amanda. The food tastes much better when you're in a great place with the right company.

[italy]

Dear Amanda, what a wonderful blog, im sure you already know that hope we can collaborate and do guest posts. I added you as a link on my blog. We bought our 200 yrs old house near como and renovated it see my blog http://www.italyexpat.blogspot.com.
enjoy your beautiful umbria where we have spent many glorious days.
Donna Amanda

[jackie]

when we were in Arezzo last we didn't get close up enough to get a good view of the frescoes, unfortunately (so thank you for your photos!). Two weekends ago, though, we did a little drive through that part of Tuscany to make it to Sansepolcro (to see the Resurrection), but we DIDN'T stop in the little town where the madonna del parto is--I really wish we had! Oh well, next time. If you haven't already made it to Urbino here in Le Marche to see the paintings by Piero della Francesca at the museum there, you should!

Jackie

[Antonina]

Art is the ticket to the past whether of recreation of a specific person place or thing, its a gift to the future to remember a time lost in the past and allow it to live again. How wonderful that you've shared this with all of us. Thank you .
A panini sandwich my papa made of caponata on toasted rustic bread drizzled with good olive oil , is heavenly and some nice red wine.

[Maryann]

I love your field of flowers :)

[erin :: the olive notes]

you're right! my mediocre roll with pomodoro and mozzarella tasted a lot better as well... :)

What a lovely post to start my Sunday morning :)

And please, even the most liberal copyright law doesn't extend 510 years....glad you took the risk. Amazing.

Wish I could have been there for that panino experience; sounds fabulous!