…it’s g-i-t-e d’a-r-t-e!

Ciao tutti!

One of the BCSP classes I’m taking here in Bologna through my Study Abroad program is called “Art and Society in Italy from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.” As part of the course we get to go on two gite d’arte (art excursions) throughout the semester to see firsthand some paintings and architecture that we study during the course.

P A D O V A

Our first gita was back in mid-February to the city of Padova (Padua, in English). The city is in the Veneto region, just west of Venice. In fact, Padova is the stop right before Venice when taking the train. The day we went to Padova was the Saturday of Carnival, and thus the train was PACKED with people heading to Venice. (I had gone to Carnival the day before, taking an early train there and a late train back, avoiding the crowds). Anyway, the train we took on Saturday to Padova was mid-day so there was no escaping being packed into the train like sardines. See for yourself:

The misery of that train ride did end (eventually) and we arrived in Padova safe and sound. The city was beautiful. It is not only the patron city of Saint Anthony, but it is also home to some of Giotto’s most astounding and best-preserved frescoes from the 14^th century. Our first stop was to the Cappella degli Scrovegni (the Scrovegni Chapel) to see these frescoes:

The Scrovegni Chapel from the front...

...and from the side

Before entering, we had to sit in this state-of-the-art waiting room while we were “purified” for about twenty minutes (they played an informational film on the history of the chapel while we waited). One of the main reasons why these frescoes continue to be so well-preserved is because they keep the air in the chapel nearly free of outside dust particles (I’m not sure exactly what they did to “clean” us… something with purifying the air… but it worked because the air inside the chapel was incredibly fresh and clean to breathe).

Giotto's depiction of The Last Judgment

Notice the vibrant colors and extreme detail, as well as the incredible mastery of depth. You can see this especially in the panels on the lowest level, which Giotto painted to look like marble. The two columns painted on either side of The Last Judgment also appear three-dimensional, rather than simply painted on. The entire chapel was incredible to see in person.

After visiting the Scrovegni Chapel, we were free to explore the city for the rest of the day. A bunch of us wandered through the streets until we stumbled upon the open-air fruit and vegetable markets in Piazza delle Erbe:

We ended the day by sitting out in the sun enjoying some fresh strawberries and gelato J

M A N T O V A

The second and final gita with my Art History class was to Mantova (Mantua, in English) on St. Patrick’s Day. (see picture below of friends Michelle, Lesley, Sierra, and Monica on the train getting ready for some St. Patty’s festivities!)

When we arrived in Mantova, we headed to Sant’Andrea, a basilica designed by Renaissance architect Leon Battista Alberti. The architecture is amazing, and it displays Alberti’s use of unifying a single, grand space using an open vaulted ceiling. You can see a hint of this in the archway above the entrance to the basilica. Unfortunately, the nave of the basilica is currently undergoing a massive renovation, and thus the effect of a single grand space is lost with all the scaffolding. Nevertheless, the amazing art and architecture of the altar area, as well as several side-chapels can be fully appreciated:

la Basilica di Sant'Andrea

The nave of the basilica, full of scaffolding

behind the altar

area to the side of the altar

side-chapel, near the back of the basilica

Our next stop was to the Palazzo Ducale, where we saw a TON of Italian Renaissance art. (Sorry, I wasn’t allowed to take photos inside the museum L) Nonetheless, after visiting the palace we had a wonderful time roaming the streets of this beautiful city.

Ciao for now,

Augusto