Advertisement
Published: January 9th 2018
Edit Blog Post
Today before we entered the Uffizi, I was explaining to Hannah how I felt like I didn't appreciate art the way I should. I compared to it to watching the Olympics. While watching the Olympics, I am watching the best of the best competing against each other. It is expected of them to preform at such an impressive level that I cannot truly comprehend how talented they actually are. But if we were to have a moderate athlete compete with an Olympic athlete, we would realize the extensive difference between the levels of talent of the two, truly recognizing, and appreciating, the talent of the Olympic athlete. Today, during our tour of the Uffizi, with the education provided by Elizabeth, I was able to truly appreciate the art by realizing the intense work required to complete such impressive pieces of the Renaissance era compared to the art of our present time.This is not to dismiss the talent of current artists, but to emphasize the importance of the Renaissance artists and their progressive ideas and implications, during difficult and trying times.
The first room we entered contained the Ognissanti Madonna (Madonna Enthroned) by Giotto di Bondone. I immediately noticed the massive
size of this painting, which I eventually discovered was painted on wood. Elizabeth further discussed the way paints were created back then, by mixing egg yolk with different powders to create colors. These powders could be produced from things like grounded flowers, bugs, or gemstones. I initially looked at this painting thinking; this is a massive piece of art with beautiful colors and details. But when Elizabeth added the materials and work required to bring this painting to life, it creates a whole new meaning to the painting. It is nothing like I have ever seen even with the technology we have today, like accessible paints and canvases. Understanding the time and effort behind the piece makes the painting more impressive and meaningful. She also mentioned that it was one of the first paintings that began using three-dimensional figures. I realized the true talent the artist must have had, along with intelligence to understand how to portray three-dimensional images before anyone else had. This obviously changed how art was created and perceived from then on.
Elizabeth explained how artists within the Renaissance era began reflecting on Roman sculpture and Greek mythology, moving towards a focus on humanism within the
artwork, and using powders mixed with oils opposed to egg yolk. This created brighter colors and more realistic human figures in sculptures and paintings. When reflecting on the humanism present in artwork, I realized how much time it took to study the human body to understand how to portray it through art. These renaissance artists were intelligent and talented people, changing the way people perceived art visually and intellectually. We saw examples of humanism in the Primavera and The Birth of Venus, both by Sandro Botticelli. These were two of my favorite paintings, not just because of the beautiful painting, but because of the story of the Greek mythology told through the paintings. I was really thankful for Elizabeth guiding us through the museum today because knowing the history and interpretations of the art helps in appreciating and understanding it.
Not only have I learned to appreciate the art within the museums, but also the art within the city. The architecture within Florence is like nothing I have ever seen. It is so beautifully crafted, and tells the history of the city and it's residents. Every time I walk past a native, I think; these buildings are part of your every day life. They get to see this architecture every day. I love being able to walk past the Duomo each day to class because it is one of my favorite pieces of art within the city. I love the green marble mixed with the pink, and the hints of gold throughout. It dominates the center of the city and plays such an important role in its history. When Antonio told us it took over 600 years to complete the Duomo, it took a moment for me to comprehend. But it is also understandable, because the building (I feel like building is too small of a word to describe it) is so massive and intricate. We just don't have anything like it back home, making me appreciate the time and thought that went into building this massive monument. I am really looking forward to going inside because it has been one of my favorite parts of Florence so far!
When reporting back to my parents, I enjoy sending them pictures of some of my favorite paintings and architecture I have seen thus far. When I return home, I plan on sharing some of the history we have learned (if I remember it all, the city has so much) because it has added to my experience in Florence. I am thankful for the history lessons we have received each day, and I look forward to learning more during this trip. It creates a deeper meaning to the already beautiful art and architecture of the city.
STEPS:
January 8: 13,605
January 9: 10,992
Advertisement
Tot: 0.075s; Tpl: 0.012s; cc: 5; qc: 44; dbt: 0.0512s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.1mb