Blog

Jul

30

2023

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By Marco Mattiuzzi

“Alice in Wonderland”: A Psychological Analysis of the Mad Hatter’s Crew

Literature

"Alice in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll stands as a cornerstone of children's literature, a story that entertains and fascinates not only young readers but adults alike. Within the novel's imaginative realm, a particular ensemble of characters - the Mad Hatter, the March Hare, and the Dormouse - stands out for its singular and bizarre behavior, inviting a deep psychological analysis.Let's start with the eccentric Mad Hatter. He embodies the quintessence of madness, characterized by disordered and delirious behavior. From a psychological standpoint, his manners can be interpreted as manifestations of a form of psychosis, a disorder characterized by hallucinations and…

Jul

30

2023

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By Marco Mattiuzzi

Saint Oswald of Northumbria: The Kingly Patron of Faith and Legends

Art, History

Art, in its many forms, often serves as the spokesperson for stories passed down through generations, narrating the lives of heroes, kings, and saints. This is certainly the case with Saint Oswald of Northumbria, the saintly king who ruled England in the 7th century, whose life and deeds have become legendary.In the small village of Sauris di Sotto, in the Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, stands a church dedicated to Saint Oswald. The photographs accompanying this article reveal the captivating simplicity of this place of worship, and within it lies an iconic depiction of Saint Oswald carrying with him a…

Jul

29

2023

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By Marco Mattiuzzi

The Renaissance of Handwriting: The Art of Calligraphy in the Digital Age

Society, Wellness

Introduction In the digital era we inhabit, where handwritten communication seems increasingly consigned to history, an ancient art is experiencing a renaissance: calligraphy. Writing with a pencil, taking the time to craft each letter with grace and precision, is capturing the attention of many enthusiasts. This resurgence is not only for the aesthetic pleasure it provides but also for the numerous benefits it offers to the mind and brain. In this article, we will delve into the virtues of pencil writing and how this manual exercise can contribute to mental well-being. The Beauty of Calligraphy: The allure of calligraphy lies…

Jul

29

2023

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By Marco Mattiuzzi

Navigating the Digital Age: The Quest for Authentic Representation in Italian Observatories

Society

In the digital age, the field of information and analysis is increasingly crowded with "observers" who claim to act as analytical lenses through which the true face of society can be seen. They present themselves as custodians of absolute truths, somewhat like the Inquisition did in the 16th century. With one fundamental difference: the Inquisition did not add "Italian" to its name to create the illusion of representing the entire Italian people. Yet, in many cases, these institutions of observation and representation do not at all represent the variety and complexity of Italian society.Consider the "Italian Observatory on Interreligious Dialogue"…

Jul

28

2023

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By Marco Mattiuzzi

Preserving Our Past: The Cornerstone of a Sustainable Future

Art, Society

Reflecting on our present and envisioning a desirable future often leads us back to the past, particularly to the preservation and enhancement of our historical, artistic, and architectural heritage. These cultural treasures, sometimes overlooked or forgotten, are living witnesses of our roots, reflecting the richness of our history and are, in every sense, the building blocks with which we construct our future. Understanding that the preservation of cultural heritage is not merely a matter of aesthetics or national pride but represents an investment for future generations is crucial. As the former UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova said, "Cultural heritage is an…

Jul

19

2023

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By Marco Mattiuzzi

A Night at the Museum: Beyond the Velvet Rope

Art

Dreaming of immersing oneself in a world far from the daily grind is a sentiment many share, fueled by the desire to escape and explore the unknown. For art lovers, the museum is seen as a sacred place, a sanctuary where time stands still, artworks unveil age-old tales, and the walls exude an aura of silent reverence. But what if we could experience this sacred space in an entirely innovative way? Imagine spending an entire night inside a museum, a night where dim lights caress masterpieces and the sound of your footsteps echoes in otherwise silent rooms.From the early hours…

Jul

18

2023

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By Marco Mattiuzzi

The Raft of the Medusa: A Masterpiece of Romanticism and a Social Commentary

Art

The painting titled "The Raft of the Medusa," created by Théodore Géricault between 1818 and 1819, serves as a landmark in the artistic landscape, a cornerstone of Romanticism, and a sharp social commentary. On the large canvas, the artist depicts a tragic, real-life naval disaster that significantly shook public opinion at the time: the shipwreck of the French frigate Méduse and the desperate struggle for survival of its survivors.With this work, Géricault breaks away from the neoclassical tradition, which usually focused on heroic mythological or biblical figures. Here, the artist turns his focus onto a contemporary event, bringing harsh reality…

Jul

17

2023

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By Marco Mattiuzzi

The Aesthetics of the Ephemeral and the Eternal Innocence: A Reflection on the Work of Bernard Faucon

Art

Bernard Faucon, French artist and photographer, has always excelled in capturing the ephemeral essence of innocence and youth. With his works that blend reality and whimsy, Faucon transports us to a world where time seems to stand still, and the subjects appear to exist in a limbo between reality and imagination. His most famous series, "Les Grandes Vacances", is a perfect example of this aesthetic. In it, child mannequins are placed in bare and lonely settings, recreating scenes of summer play. Yet, despite the apparent cheerfulness, a sense of solitude and melancholy pervades the works. The life that the mannequins…

Jul

16

2023

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By Redazione Estrosfere

The Unlikely Sanctuary: Finding Peace on Your Porcelain Throne

Wellness

In the hustle of our daily routines, seeking a moment of calm and serenity can be more complicated than we think. Many of us are in search of a quiet corner, a sanctuary where we can retreat to reconnect with our essence. But have you ever considered that this place might be right here, easily accessible, or perhaps, right beneath you... your posterior? We introduce to you the concept of toilet meditation.Before you react with disbelief or laughter, consider this: the bathroom is often a place of contemplation, a haven where we are isolated from the rest of the world,…

Jul

15

2023

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By Marco Mattiuzzi

Dante Alighieri: The Original Gamer of the Literary World

Literature, Technology

At a recent literary event organized by FAI Giovani of Vercelli, Professor Francesco Toniolo presented an unusual and fascinating topic: "Dante Alighieri, the First Video Gamer." If you've ever pictured Dante with a joystick in hand, this might seem like a peculiar association. But, examining the structure of Dante's Inferno and comparing it to that of video games reveals an intriguing parallelism. Looking at the structure of Dante's Inferno, we find it composed of a series of circles, each dedicated to the punishment of a different sin. These circles can be likened to the various levels of video games. The…