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Published: January 9th 2018
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Before coming to Italy, I knew very little history about the country and the city of Florence. I honestly did not even know the importance Florence had on Italy's art and culture. I was astounded to learn that the Renaissance began in Florence and that many influential artists like Michelangelo and Botticelli painted for the Medici family who commissioned these paintings.
These past few days in Florence I feel I have already learned so much about the art and history of this beautiful city. From the Duomo, to the Medici family home, the Uffizi, and even just the streets and buildings throughout the city, everywhere I look there is a story behind it. I have always loved and appreciated art, but when it came to the history, I was always a bit lacking. Before coming to Italy I would never really have considered myself a person who enjoys going to museums and learning about history. I would always look at the pictures, but skip out on the information that came along with it. Today, though, I realized that changed. Walking through the Uffizi gallery and studying all of the art that was painted hundreds of years ago, all in the
same city, in the same building, and I was lucky be standing just steps away from it all, it was definitely a special moment for me.
I was so intrigued to learn all of the different back stories of the paintings. Such as, the story of Giotto who was the son of a shepherd and was drawing a sheep when his teacher, Cimabue, found him and was intrigued by his style of painting and how life-like the sheep appeared. He went on to paint Madonna Enthroned with Angels. The painting as you can see is very realistic with Mary, clearly defined in her shape. Also, all of the garments in the painting are given shape and movement as you can see the angels kneeling, and their clothes pulled tight around their knees, and where Mary is sitting you can see her cloak gathered around her knees and legs.
Another story I really enjoyed was the story behind Judith Slaying Holofernes that was painted by Artemisia Gentileschi. Judith was the slaying the man that was going to destroy her people, the Jews. She is a beautiful widow who seduces Holofernes, waits until he is drunk, and decapitates him and
is seen has a heroine to the Jewish people. I really enjoyed this painting because I rarely have seen paintings of women being depicted as the hero, or as violent. I also thought for the time period the painting was very in your face, with all the gore and aggression. Instead of many paintings of the time being represented very beautifully, this one gave off a sense of strength and courage.
I have also really enjoyed the beauty and art in the city itself. I feel like every where I turn each building is unique in it's own way and has a story behind. I love all of the intricacies of the architecture, the colors, and how I feel like I am stepping into a different time when I walk down the cobblestone streets. One of my favorite pieces of architecture has to be the Duomo. It was the first thing that caught my eye when I first arrived here and every time I walk past it I am just in awe of its size and beauty. The cathedral was designed by not one, but four architects and painters: Filippo Brunelleschi, Giotto, Arnolfo di Cambio, and Francesco Talenti. I look at the Duomo as if it is a piece of art, not only a cathedral. These architects used a building as their canvas, and it is still standing today.
I feel that just being in the city for a few days has already changed my perspective on art and how history shapes it. I came here knowing already that Florence was a cultural and historically rich city, but I had no idea how much it would impact me. Now I want to go a bookstore and find any books I can about Italian art and it's history. I have already been talking to my family about different paintings and sent them pictures of all of the art, telling them what I remember about them. It definitely will be the thing I take away most from this trip. How important art was to these people, and even still how it influences us today.
Until Next Time!
CIAO!
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