ART APPRECIATION THREAD--Vatican tour (the magnificent Bernini altar)

Sweet Briar College ^ | 23 April 2003 | Gwen M. McKinney

[reflecting]

Thanks for the tip, my son will be there this summer and I sent your comment to him....he will have nearly 5 weeks in Rome, do you have any more suggestions?

[Liz]

Mmmmmmm.......it's been said that wine in Italy is cheaper than water.....and much tastier (grin).

[Liz]

Pope John Paul II's Staff Was Work of Santa Fe Sculptor

Albuquerque Journal | Wednesday, April 6, 2005 | Laura Banish

Posted on 04/06/2005 10:32:58 AM PDT by woofie

The staff, or crosier, is topped with a bowed crucifix and a gaunt yet unwavering Christ figure— the work of Santa Fe sculptor Gib Singleton. Singleton, who suffers from emphysema, declined to be interviewed by the Journal due to health problems and because he does not want to commercialize the pope's death, according to friends and Fenton Moore, director of Santa Fe's Gallerie Zuger, where Singleton's work is shown.

An 18-inch bronze version of the pope's crucifix is on display at Shidoni Foundry, about five miles north of Santa Fe. Singleton used to work at Shidoni, and some of his other religious figures, including a striking statue of Moses, are also on display there.

"Gib's the kind of person who can read someone's personality and can capture it three-dimensionally," Shidoni president Scott Hicks said Tuesday. "To see his work have meaning to someone so important as the pope is really great."

Singleton's sculptures are well-known around the world. Some of his pieces are featured in the permanent collections of the Vatican Museum, New York's Museum of Modern Art, the State of Israel and the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma.

Years ago, Singleton was asked to assist in the restoration process when Michelangelo's Pieta was vandalized at the Vatican. He served as the Vatican's restoration specialist for three years. Tommy Hicks, owner of Shidoni and Singleton's longtime friend, said Shidoni's bronze version of the crucifix like the one on the papal staff was likely made in 1975.

Hicks believes the silver version now on display as Pope John Paul II lies in state was made sometime earlier for a cardinal, who later gave it to the pope. It may have been cast in Italy, he said.

REST HERE http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1378567/posts

[iceskater]

Thank you. Before I die, I want to see this in person.

[Bahbah]

The postage stamp clip does not do it justice-

Nor, I am sure, does my memory. I fear I must return to Florence to refresh my recollection :)

[mewzilla]

Here's a link to the Vatican Museums. They have an excellent virtual tour.

[Sam Cree]

FR could use an art ping list. Is there one, do you know? Thanks for the post.

[Liz]

If you start one, please put me on it. Thanks.

[Frank_2001]

I agree. Great post!

[Liz]

Darn it all----forced to return to Italy. Tough.

[Sam Cree]

This, by Michael Angelo, is in the Vatican if my memory is OK. I understand it's behind plexi now after being damaged by a vandal, but it wasn't when I was there many years ago, you could walk right up to it. I remember being kind of stunned when I saw it, of all the art that was there

[Sam Cree]

OK, I'll start compiling names from this thread, I guess. Anyone who wishes to be on an art ping list, let me know.

[woofie]

Thanks

I was in Italy 2 years ago ...3rd trip

Venice is my favorite and the Amalfi(sp?) coast

[annalex]

Thank you for posting this. I thought it was Giacometti.

[woofie]

stick me on your list

[Sam Cree]

OK, you're on.
Back later.

[Liz]

CLOSEUPS OF THE CATHEDRA PETRI (seen above throught the Baldacchino)

The overall effect of the Cathedra Petri is awe-inspiring; rays of light, made in stucco, jut out from the real source of light. So much emotion is worked into the piece by the expression on the Doctors' faces and the movement of the putti and angels.

Also located on the Cathedra Petri are bas relief of Washing of the Feet and The Handing Over of the Keys to St. Peter, created by Bernini. On the back side is a bas relief regarding Christ's decree to St. Peter, "watch over my flock."

Bernini reduced the size of the Cathedra Petri so that it could be viewed in its entirety through the Baldacchino. In that view, Bernini emphasized the importance of the relics contained in each and the foundation of the Church.

[macamadamia]

I've never understood the anglicization of Michelangelo's name: Michaelangelo. And worse, its done halfway. Michele is changed to Michael, but angelo is not changed to angel. Might as well be consistent and say, Leonard da Vinci. It just strikes me as wrong and disrespectful. (not aiming this at you by the way)

[Liz]

Michelangelo's incomparable marble---The Pieta---c. 1498-99 (5 3/4 x 6 ft) at the Basilica of St Peter, the Vatican.

[Liz]

VENICE

Fantastico.