Chapter 19: Renaissance Art in Fifteenth-Century Italy

Painters of the 15th Century... who were they? Were they part Artist, part Mathematician, part Scientist, part Philosopher, part Illusionist or part Personality? Or… all of the above?
I have such a huge sense of awe, appreciation and respect for these artists since reading Chapter 19.

They delighted their patrons, supporters and viewers with their tricks of light, shadowing, color, perspective, and with the clever placement of every day items…. all to heighten our sense of reality. It’s spell bounding…almost too much to wrap around in my little brain of mine....but I'll tell you what...while finishing up my reading today, I had the tv on in the background. Tivo had recorded some of my cooking shows (Barefoot Cantessa, Ina Garten and Giada at Home, Giada DeLaurentiis ), and these talented chefs also extol their beliefs and principals of the importance of combining texture, color, taste, fresh ingredients, etc., and I made a connection-chefs and artists have a lot in common. Here's what they share: their love and passion for what they do, years of schooling and apprenticeship, the appreciation of and the effective application of the formulas/recipes --and sometimes dare to take risks by (i.e., using various mediums vs using various ingredients, combining different textures,etc.), and the ability to effectively solve problems both emotionally and logically--all with one common end--to serve us, the patrons and supporters. Oh, and some of them, are PERSONALITIES, too!

Chapter 18: Fifteenth-Century Art in Northern Europe, and the Iberian Peninsula

After reading Chapter 18, Art in Northern Europe and the Iberian Pennisula, I'm reminded and yet at the same time, astounded, of how Flemish Artists during the Renaissance period employed hidden and disguised religious symbolisms in their artwork, and how many of these symbolisms still pervade today. Take Valentine’s Day, for example, this holiday held some significance during the Medieval period and the English Renaissance: Using the language of the law courts for the rituals of courtly love, a "High Court of Love" was established in Paris on Valentine's Day in 1400. The court dealt with love contracts, betrayals, and violence against women. Judges were selected by women on the basis of a poetry reading.[23][24]The earliest surviving valentine is a fifteenth-century rondeau written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his "valentined" wife, which commences:

Je suis desja d'amour tanné
Ma tres doulce Valentinée…
(Charles d'Orléans, Rondeau VI, lines 1–2).

For Christians, there were numerous early martyrs who were named Valentine; although they were not linked to romance. I believe there was even one priest, however, who secretly performed marriage ceremonies for young men since the Roman Emperor who was trying to grow his army, believed married men did not make for good soldiers. Crazy, huh? Today, Valentine's Day is the second largest card-sending holiday of the year, behind Christmas!!!
While symbolisms can have a significant impact and carry its strength/power century after century, they can get overused, muddied, water down….. Modern Valentine symbols include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Today present our loved ones with a box of chocolates (heart-shaped box?), or with a note or card—and with the obligatory over-priced red roses, perhaps even diamonds--I'm sure there'll be many a guy down on their knees "popping the question"! Children are even getting into the picture--they exchange Princess or Diego Valentines Cards and candy to their classmates. To ease my sugar concerns, my 4 ½ yr old daughter will be sharing mini cans of play-do as a substitue for the customary candy or cards. Victorian hand-made lacy cards have given way to hand written notes which have given way to mass produced greeting cards—or better yet, stop at your local Hallmark gift store and pick up a TALKING greeting card! What's next?

Le Dejeuner en fourrure (Luncheon in Fur) by Meret Oppenheim

CLEAVER & CREATIVE. The content of this image was inspired by a cafe conversation between Picasso and Oppenhein regarding her fur-lined tubing jewelry designs. As a result of Picasso's remark that “just about anything could be made of fur”, Oppenheim created this fur lined cup and saucer. As a result of Oppenhein’s expressionism viewers find themselves both attracted and repelled—which I find to be clever and creative—much like myself!

Detail of a leaf with The Birth of Mahavira from the Kalpa Sutra

SPIRITUAL. The mediam used on this Indian work of art is gouache on paper. Mahaviara is most commonly used to refer to the Indian sage Vardhamana who established what today is considered to be the central tenets of Jainism. Through illumination, it is believed there are eight cardinal principals- and when attained, elevates one's quality of life helping to achieve spiritual excellence. I love Yoga because it helps me to focus on my "breath" which helps to slow me down while allowing me to rediscover my inner strength. It also makes my heart happy! I'm also drawn to this color scheme--red-orange, green and neutral tones. These hues remind me of nature (Autumn, my favorite season!) and awesome sunsets.

The Great Wave by Katsushika Hokusai

ENERGETIC: The style used in this figure represents strength and energy--much like my personality! The time designation for this illustration takes place in the Edo period, circa 1931. The linear perspective of this famous woodblock print depicts Japan's most sacred peak, Mount Fufi, which can be seen in the background—The vast sloping peaks and this dramatic wave match in both size and scope!