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Italian Art for Travelers
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Veronese’s Inquisition and Response
Veronese was a celebrated sixteenth century Venetian artist and the only painter summoned by the Inquisition. We have the transcript of his interrogation before the tribunal of the Holy Inquisition, and his stunning response to their charges. The role of images and art became a focus for inquisitors as they searched to counter the Protestant and Lutheran reformation. Religious and government officials comprised the tribunal who sought to keep artists in line with Catholic tea
Gerriann Brower
Aug 86 min read
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Pope Leos Past and Present
For the fourteenth time, the name Leo has been chosen by a pope. What made Leo a popular papal name? Some reasons point to lions, St. Mark, and St. Augustine. A look at three past Pope Leos reveals the adversities they faced and their political dilemmas. One stood up to Attila the Hun, another avoided being poisoned, and a third focused on worker’s rights.
Gerriann Brower
Jun 108 min read
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Pope Francis and Caravaggio
Caravaggio’s Calling of St. Matthew was Pope Francis’ favorite painting. As a cardinal, he would often contemplate in situ, in the Contarelli Chapel of San Luigi dei Francesi, near Piazza Navona. What drew Francis to this painting? Was it mercy for the artist’s sins and bad boy reputation, well-earned with a murder conviction? Or perhaps Caravaggio’s incarceration resonated with the pope’s ministry for those in prison.
Gerriann Brower
May 73 min read
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Papal Conclaves: Histories and Mysteries
The Middle Ages hold the answer to the history and mystery of papal conclaves and their rituals. The origins of voting under lock and key in the Sistine Chapel, burning ballots, and cardinals clad in red date back over five hundred years. How did a two-thirds majority come to be the standard to elect a pope? How did the Sistine Chapel become the place to elect popes?
Gerriann Brower
May 16 min read
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Artists at Work: Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael and Their Drawings
Drawings let us see the artist at work, thinking through problems. Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael’s drawings are like fingerprints or handwriting. Each had unique styles and methods of drawing. Raphael frequently drew hands. Michelangelo concentrated on the muscular torso or twisting body. Leonardo brainstormed on paper, keenly interested in nature and how the world around him worked.
Gerriann Brower
Apr 176 min read
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John Hawkwood, Mercenary
Mercenary armies played a pivotal role in conflicts. John Hawkwood was an English mercenary commander who earned fame and fortune in Italy.
Gerriann Brower
Mar 159 min read
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The Real Doge
What is a doge? A canine meme, a crypto currency, or an attempt to create a department of government efficiency? None of the above. The firs
Gerriann Brower
Feb 115 min read
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Renaissance Bedrooms: Mattresses, Sleep, Dreams, and Pests
The Renaissance bedroom was the room where it happened, serving many purposes, including sleep, sex, childbirth, illness, recovery, death, a
Gerriann Brower
Jan 1110 min read
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Consequential Conclaves
Three consequential sixteenth century conclaves illustrate the power wrangling and coalitions in electing a pope: the conclaves for Julius I
Gerriann Brower
Nov 12, 20249 min read
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From Saul to Paul: Art Inspired by Paul the Apostle
Why are so many places and people named after Paul? Paul’s life story from persecutor to preacher inspired his namesake and art from convers
Gerriann Brower
Oct 1, 202411 min read
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The Well-Dressed Duke: Renaissance Menswear
Clothes made the man, from his velvet doublet, brocaded codpiece to his armor.
Gerriann Brower
Aug 28, 202410 min read
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St. Catherine of Siena's Stigmata and Relics
St. Catherine of Siena, was a gutsy fourteenth century history making woman. She was determined to make a difference, even with doubters and
Gerriann Brower
Jun 5, 20249 min read
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