by Cedric | Jun 27, 2019 | Art, General, Miscellaneous
One of the benefits of living in Harborne is one’s proximity to the University of Birmingham. The beautiful campus, overbearingly phallic clock tower, expansive green spaces and exceptional art galleries make for a fabulous day out. I’m not sure the students feel the same way, but I will allow myself a rose-tinted view as I am, after all, colour blind.
Currently on show in the Barber Institute of Fine Arts is a collection from Cassiano dal Pozzo’s illustrations. These were among the first documented anatomical and architectural depictions in history. They make for fascinating viewing and I cannot recommend this free exhibition more.
The new kind of art initiated by the lynxes became part of the “paper museum” of Cassiano dal Pozzo, a 17th-century lawyer, diplomat and scientific amateur. These albums of intricate learning eventually found their way into Britain’s Royal Collection. The Guardian
One of the first things which caught my eye was the original drawings for the floor plan of St Peter’s Basillica in Rome. As none of you will know, I spent one of the greatest years of my life in Rome. I often miss my time there, most frequently when seeing the state of the ‘coffee’ I am served. This picture is MichaelAngelo’s final scheme for the Basillica in 1569. Its inclusion in the collection is evidence of Cassiano’s interest in antique architecture and religious symbolism, this being the most holy site in Catholicism.
It is impossible to overstate the importance of these masterpieces of scientific art, yet until art historian David Freedberg chanced on them in a cupboard in Windsor Castle in 1986, they lay neglected for centuries, their connection with one of Europe’s first scientific academies forgotten. The Guardian
My second favourite piece in the collection is this extraordinary ‘fingered lemon’ which Cassiano drew. This is characteristic of the evolution of botanical understanding. At the time, it was believed that the seed of the lemon was deformed, leading to this disfiguration of the final fruit. Now, we know such deformations are caused by the citrus flower being damaged by small insects pollinating it.
These are just two examples of the wonderful pieces in this temporary exhibition. I highly recommend you go and inspect them. There is a lot to be learned about the progression in thinking as well as the extraordinary work in preserving these significant works.
If you’ve time, take a look around the permanent exhibition, just around the corner. Inside are contained myriad religious icons, a coin collection and some startling watercolours. My personal highlight was this bronze tiger. The way one could see the motions it must have taken just by looking at is quite wonderful.
Enjoy your time at the Barber Institute. I certainly did!
by Cedric | Jun 15, 2019 | Art, General, Miscellaneous
When I asked Shaun at the counter how long this fine establishment had been there, I was astonished to discover MAD was in its 7th year of existence. Having been to Stratford on numerous occasions, I never noticed this slice of mechanical heaven nestled in the bustling Henley Street, at the heart of this quaint town.
If you’re not quite sure what mechanical art is all about, think of the machines and gizmos used in Wallace and Gromit, Scrapheap Challenge and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
In a nutshell, mechanical art is usually beautifully crafted, moving sculptures either made to have an exaggerated purpose or made simply for the fun of it. MAD Museum
For the sake of both brevity, and mystery, I shall merely highlight the three pieces which amused, enticed and generally aroused me most. The first such exhibit was the ballbearing clock. In many ways it was more precise than our own watches. See the impressively imbedded gif below. I say impressive because I did not know I could do such a thing.
The second piece on display which truly inspired me was the gremlins defacing Shakespeare. Anyone defacing anything brings me great and overwhelming joy. But this most egregious defacement of an iconic figure brought me particular glee. You can see this masterwork in the gif below
Although this was a relatively simple mechanical creation, it has a high impact. I love the construction and conception of this work almost as much as the next one I am about to showcase for you, dear reader.
The next piece combines moribund morbidity, steampunk and elements of ingenuity scarcely seen in the artistic community. The real skull, featuring a steampunk lense, was mounted on a metal construction boasting what looked like a corrugated iron spine. Words can scarcely describe the horror and delight of the piece itself. View it below.
In all, MAD was a top shelf experience. the gift shop itself is indicative of the place not being a money grabbing cash cow likely most of the surrounding shops. This is not just for tourists, it is for people who have a genuine interest in mechanical art and seek something to do which is far from Shakespeare, without wandering beyond the comfortable confines of Stratford proper. I know for a fact you’ll enjoy your time there.
by Cedric | Nov 1, 2018 | Art, General, Miscellaneous
Where to begin? S.M della Vittoria has to be in my top 4 churches in Rome, perhaps even my top 7 of all time. Those of you who have ears will have heard my podcast on heaven’s inherent contradictions. The cover photo for that most enjoyable podcast post was a Bernini sculpture from within this church. This remains the principle reason for this church’s high ranking in my list. I’ve pictured it for you below.
I’m not sure if you can see in detail the magnificent ode to Bernini’s genius. The sculpture is a representation of the ecstasy of Santa Teresa D’Avila in Spain. We were taught about her in philosophy class in sixth form. My first sight of it, some two years ago, came as quite a shock!
There it is in more detail. This work was created between 1647-52. To see it now, survived nearly 400 years in perfect condition is really quite impressive. It can be found in the Cornaro chapel. But you can’t miss it, there is always a queue.
The church was begun in 1605 as a chapel dedicated to Saint Paul for the Discalced Carmelites. After the Catholic victory at the battle of White Mountain in 1620, which reversed the Reformation in Bohemia, the church was rededicated to the Virgin Mary. Turkish standards captured at the 1683 siege of Vienna hang in the church, adding to the theme of the Virgin helping to lead Catholic armies to victory.
My advice to you would be to check the open times. It closes around 12.30 for three hours. I’ve never understood the European need to take 1/4 of their day off, but then again I seldom eat.
The interior of the church is adorned with triumphant themes. Every you look there’s a gilded stuccos and corinthian pilaster there, and even a fresco of The Virgin Mary Triumphing over Heresy and Fall of the Rebel Angels executed by Giovanni Domenico Cerrini in 1675.
In all, it would be silly not to witness this glorious ode to Bernini’s genius. Additionally, it’s right in the centre of Rome. No excuses! Via Veneto , nearby, is also very much worth seeing.
