Basilica di San Marco

We have been traveling a ton recently so we will have to take some time to update everyone on what we have been doing! First we went to Venice so I will talk a little bit about that. Venice is a very unique city in that it is accessible not by cars, but by boats in canals, and by foot. Venice also has a very interesting mix of architectural styles. One place this can be seen very clearly is in the Basilica di San Marco (St. Mark's Basilica). Below is a picture I took from right in front of the Basilica.

Below is a picture that has more of a full view of the Basilica: 

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=saint+marks+basilica&FORM=HDRSC2#view=detail&id=7BCE911A2EF82AD0E0B8D559F019C2BB3DAA7BD5&selectedIndex=1

The Basilica has a large number of different styles mixed in and represents what came to be known as Venetian Gothic architecture. This style of architecture was a result of the trade relations that Venice developed with the East. Byzantine domes were featured as well as Islamic minarets. Gothic pointed arches were also mixed into this type of architecture. On the Basilica di San Marco mosaics can be seen. These mosaics are in the Byzantine style. Onion-shaped cupolas can be seen on top of the Byzantine domes. The cupolas are in a style borrowed from Islamic art. In the picture that is closer up it is easier to see that there are both pointed gothic arches and rounded Roman arches. The Basilica di San Marco is a great example of the blending of architectural styles that is typical in Venice.

Carnevale di Bergamo

The Carnival of Bergamo began as an ancient tradition of burning a wooden lady representing the defining problem of the previous year. The two week long festival celebrates recreation as well as death and rebirth of nature with the cycle of seasons. Falling in the middle of Lent and ending on Fat Tuesday, it takes place in many Italian cities, each with their own local flair.  Festivities include theatrical productions, music, parades, food and toy markets, symbolic costumes and masks, Halloween-ish dress-up for children, and a sea of confetti.

costumes symbolizing rebirth of nature

shops selling baked goods, candy, toys, and costumes

The iconic masked characters come from the traditional “zanni” or set of archetypal characters of the Commedia dell’Arte – a form of theatre born in 16^th century Italy. Instead of focusing on the written work of academics and philosophers, as in Commedia Erudita, Commedia dell’Arte is performed by professional actors portraying certain stock characters. These stock characters became iconic “masks,” beginning as satires of Italian stereotypes and developing into the archetypes of Italian theatre. Each mask is specific to a certain city and is emphasized there during the Carnevale; Bergamo’s mask is Arlecchino, the Harlequin, the mischievous servant of the iconic multicolored diamond costume. Venice’s mask is Pantalone, the miserly merchant.

postcards of the various "mascchere"

Bergamasque Arches

Today we walked all around the city of Bergamo. We went to two museums: The Archaeology Museum and The Academia. While I was walking around the city, I observed the various styles of buildings.  Because Bergamo has been a host to many different groups of people, it has many different types of architecture. One thing I noticed in particular is that there are arches everywhere, and arches are different based upon what period they are from. Many of the houses in the Citta Alta (upper city/ gated area) of Bergamo have arched doors.  Here is one arch below:

This arch is a simple Roman arch. Roman arches are characterized by being strong and rounded. Many of the doors of houses had this style of arch. As you can see, the door right next door also has a Roman arch. This arch comes from the time when the Romans were in control of Bergamo. Another type of arch I observed is a Gothic arch. These arches are from the Gothic era. The arch is pointed and is in a form that results in the ability to make structures taller. The Gothic period emphasized the importance of tall buildings. They especially wanted churches to be tall, to convey the presence of God. Below is a picture of a simple Gothic arch:

The Experience

I am going to travel to Bergamo, Italy and explore the architecture of the area and surrounding areas. Bergamo was part of the Republic of Venice for about 400 years starting in the 15th century. I plan to explore the old part of the city Citta Alta. We are staying with Maria Sison's grandmother, Maria Massolo. Maria Massolo, lives within walking distance to the old churches and buildings in Citta Alta.  The Venetians built the old wall that surrounds the Citta Alta. I would like to explore the architecture and take pictures using what I have learned in photography. I plan to ask locals about the architecture and explore and record the history of different buildings. We will also take overnight trips to places such as Venice itself. I will compare this architecture to the architecture of Bergamo, because much of Bergamo’s architecture is Venetian. The experience is unique in that we have the opportunity to stay with someone who lives in the area year-round. Maria’s grandmother will also be a valuable resource for information and should be able to introduce us to people who are knowledgeable about the area. I am more interested in the history of the buildings then the specific architectural aspects. I do not seek as much to know how exactly each building is made, but the story behind each structure.

The opportunity to stay with a local person is unique because we will be living directly in a town that is rich with old and medieval architecture. It will be much different from a regular trip because Maria’s grandmother is local and knows the area and the people. We will not be so much tourists as we will have more of an immersion into local life. I would like to study this architecture some beforehand, then observe and learn more about it as I am there. I would also like to photograph the architecture and relate the architecture to the history of the town. I want to gain a first hand knowledge of the area and to really understand how the town (as well as surrounding areas) came to look the way they do.

I will bring my digital SLR camera and I will record what I learn and experience on this blog. I will keep a journal with meme to take notes on our travels. I will update the blog with pictures and new information when in Bergamo because we have definite internet access there. I am very excited about this experience and I look forward to gaining knowledge and sharing what I have learned.

The Journey

As someone who is interested in both the study and the creation side of art, Italy is the perfect place to see the merging of a rich historical background with the contemporary art scene. Italy has been a center for the arts throughout the Roman Empire, the Renaissance, and the Baroque period, and its museums also host iconic pieces from Ancient Greece. The opportunity to see these works in person is valuable from both an art historian’s and an artist’s perspective. I have found that studying art history, becoming familiar with the progression of art and the role it has had in societies since ancient times, gives me a new perspective on the purpose of contemporary art. Placing artists today within this historical context leads to a broader understanding of the human need to create, where creators are not only expressing themselves but are also continuing a deeply rooted tradition.

            While in Italy, I hope to learn about art from specifically the Roman Empire, the Renaissance, and the Baroque periods and experience it first-hand through museums, churches, and architecture. I will also visit galleries and studios to see work from modern Italian artists. I want to study the relationship between “ancient” and contemporary art and understand how an artist reconciles the celebrated and sometimes overshadowing achievements of the past with the need to create original work. I will be keeping a sketchbook to record notes and drawings of the places we visit, and I will use these as inspiration for my own pieces.

            By the end of X-Term, I hope to have a sketchbook full of my experiences, several pieces (or at least the beginnings of them) inspired by my time in Italy, and a joint blog with Maria and Kendall with journal entries and photos of where we’ve been.

The Dream

My goal is to explore Italy’s history and culture and reconnect with my heritage – to understand what it means to be an Italian. I intend to develop my own Italian identity by enriching my knowledge of its past and present and connecting it with my other interests, such as literature, music, and linguistics. With a foundation in the country’s history and an understanding of the present society, including politics, current events, traditions, art, popular culture, and global relevance, I would see the landmarks of my childhood through newly enlightened eyes and appreciate their significance. I want to be an informed and socially aware Italian who can discuss both historic and current events with an equal level of confidence and sophistication as someone who has grown up in Italy. Though I understand I can't make up for 17 years in 2 weeks, I think that this project will initiate my lifelong development as an Italian alongside my growth as an American.

I've divided my project into 3 main parts: literature, history, and culture. Mr. Guerra, a retired historian, has agreed to supervise me and review my work.

Literature

I’d start by reading staples of Italian literature such as The Inferno, I Promessi Sposi, and Il Canzoniere before the trip, journaling my responses and analyses, researching their global influence, and discussing the reading with my supervisor. With these works, I plan to read the original italian alongside the english translation and create my own translation of certain passages based on my interpretations of the text and personal connotations of various words.

History
I will be using various history textbooks, primary sources in Latin and Italian – including texts by Julius Caesar and renaissance era compositions – and modern day Italian journals and news to develop a broad view of Italy’s story, supplemented by trips to historical landmarks and museums.

Culture

I plan to visit many art galleries and landmarks throughout the trip, as well as various performances and traditional events. These include the Carnevale di Venezia, Opera Donizettiano, Milan Fashion Week, and local concerts.