Carved wooden ceiling in the Academia, Venice
Day 3 -- Venice Academia Museum
Ruth: "When we looked outside, it was raining. Rozanne fearlessly led our group through the rain to the Academia Museum (Gallerie dell'Accademia). We were in good company, as Venetians were braving the weather as well. We saw a collection of paintings and sculptures by Venetian artists through the 18th century."
Adam:: "I was intrigued by the rain and welcomed the challenge. It changed the function and atmosphere of Venice in a flash."
Adam:: "I was intrigued by the rain and welcomed the challenge. It changed the function and atmosphere of Venice in a flash."
Some Exciting Things We Learned
Ruth: "In the Academia, there are paintings by artists from several different genres. Our focus below is on medieval and Renaissance art."
Ruth: "During the Middle Ages, paintings always had a religious theme (Madonna and Child, Venetian-Byzantine, unknown artist, first painting, above). Artists wanted to glorify God and the teachings of Christianity. They had not yet developed the techniques of perspective, realism and softness that later emerged during the Renaissance. Artists stylized Mary and Jesus' features and hands, so as to set them apart from humanity and emphasize their holiness.
"Giovanni Bellini is the father of the Venetian Renaissance. He used mathematically precise rules of perspective to depict religious figures, humanity and nature more realistically. Early Renaissance artists often used symbolism. For example, in Bellini's Madonna of Red Cherubs (1485), the cherubs symbolize the angels' burning love for Jesus (second painting, above)."
"Giovanni Bellini is the father of the Venetian Renaissance. He used mathematically precise rules of perspective to depict religious figures, humanity and nature more realistically. Early Renaissance artists often used symbolism. For example, in Bellini's Madonna of Red Cherubs (1485), the cherubs symbolize the angels' burning love for Jesus (second painting, above)."
Ruth: "In later Renaissance paintings, for example, Old Woman (1508) by Giorgione, there is more realism."
Adam: "As I was listening to our tour guide, I was intrigued with the ambiance of this painting. It sparked emotions inside me. It's as if the old women is saying, 'Someday you will be me.' The painting was a catalyst that resonated with me and made me think about my life. I am aware that my mom is getting older and won't always be here. Someday I will be in that position and it will come full circle. I feel I need to appreciate my youth and the different stages of my life."
Adam: "As I was listening to our tour guide, I was intrigued with the ambiance of this painting. It sparked emotions inside me. It's as if the old women is saying, 'Someday you will be me.' The painting was a catalyst that resonated with me and made me think about my life. I am aware that my mom is getting older and won't always be here. Someday I will be in that position and it will come full circle. I feel I need to appreciate my youth and the different stages of my life."
More Examples of Early and Later Renaissance
Early Renaissance: In this triptech by Giovanni D'Alemagna (1446), Mary is depicted as being almost as tall as the cathedral. This was symbolic of the subjects' importance.
High Renaissance: In this Pieta (1505) by Giovanni Bellini, you can see the emotion, perspective and realism. (In his long career, Bellini transitioned from Early to Late Renaissance.)
Compare Saint Mark's today with Saint Mark's 600 years ago!
Slide Show of Gallerie dell'Accademia, Venice
Free Time Adventure -- the Doge's Palace
Adam: "After our visit to the Accademia, everyone was off on adventures of their own. We headed out to the Doge's (elected official) Palace (Palazzo Ducali). My mom took Rick's advice to make reservations, so we didn't have to wait in a long line. I liked the "Secret Itineraries" tour. We got to see the chambers of the lawmakers. We also saw a torture chamber, prisons, and heard the story of how Casanova escaped the prison. The armory in the attic was fascinating. I like to put myself in the shoes of the people of the day to see what made them tick and what they thought."
Ruth: "We knew we were at the front staircase of the palace when we saw the 'Paul Newman' statue that Rick mentioned in his guide book. It's actually a statue of Mars, but it definitely looks like Paul Newman! On a more serious note, the doges were very powerful, as you can see by the buildings and artifacts."
Ruth: "We knew we were at the front staircase of the palace when we saw the 'Paul Newman' statue that Rick mentioned in his guide book. It's actually a statue of Mars, but it definitely looks like Paul Newman! On a more serious note, the doges were very powerful, as you can see by the buildings and artifacts."
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