Escape to myself

I’m writing this sitting by the Grand Canal having my Colazzione. Yesterday was very busy: St Marks, Doge’s Palace and Padua combined with a lot of walking. As i walked I was struck by how hard it must be living in Venice. Bridges and steps everywhere, deliveries by trollies, hauled up and over bridges or by water. If you’re old or with children or disabled daily life must be complicated.

Giotto

This is a small space packed with wonders; it is quite other worldly. The colours , the disposition of panels and artists skill combine to create a type of magic. The cycle, depicting the life of Christ, was commissioned by the wealthy Scrovegni family to decorate their small family chapel in 1302. It significance in western art cannot be overestimated. Giotto escaped the stilted confines of Gothic art to create a while new artistic language; one of realism, emotion, drama and he placed his action in real space. The figures have solidity and have real agency. There was still some way to go in the development of realism but drawing on classical models Giotto discovered and developed a new idiom. You seem to be surrounded by these people. The place is wonderful and a spiritual experience. 45 years was too long to wait to see it and I wasn’t disappointed. It was a privilege to join a small group of 25 in the evening to appreciate this jewel. I wish I’d had the time to see more of Padua but this was enough. The chapel is well protected humidity having been the cause of fungal blooms on the surface of the frescos. After restoration the chapel is now kept at a constant temperature and we were kept in a climate controlled air lock room for 15 minutes before we could enter for just 20 minutes but it was definitely worth it.

O

The Betrayal by Judas

This must be one of the most dramatic scenes. Judas kissing Jesus amidst a crowd. The central position of the two main figures surrounded by spears and pikes. The yellow cloak draws to eye to Judas and Jesus. This is dramatic and full of emotion.

The massacre of the innocents

The flight into Egypt

The Last Supper

Mocking of Christ

The empty Tomb

The entry to Jerusalem

The Nativity

Although realism is developing The figures are still steeped in Gothic sensibility as far as their religious context is concerned through the Christian mythology with the angels still looks back to a different age.This was the most incredible visit and a real highlight so far.