Art

In the heart of Vercelli stands the Church of San Cristoforo, a place of worship that conceals within its walls a rich and turbulent history. This building, more than just an architectural structure, is a reliquary of Renaissance art, enriched by the genius of Gaudenzio Ferrari, a painter who lived between 1475 and 1546. His works, created between 1529 and 1534, represent an unparalleled peak in the history of painting, a zenith of human creativity that reveals itself in every brushstroke.However, the true essence of this article does not lie in the exaltation of Ferrari's talent, but rather in the…

The figure of Sappho, hailing from the island of Lesbos and living in the second half of the 7th century BC, emerges in history as the first great poetess of the ancient Western world. Her figure has assumed an almost mythical dimension, while maintaining a contemporary resonance, as her work, immersed in a universal language, transcends temporal barriers.Immersed in the cult of Aphrodite, Sappho headed a thiasos, a religious association in Ancient Greece dedicated to the worship of a deity. In this context, young girls from distinguished families were entrusted to her for an education that prepared them for marriage.…

Francesco Boneri - Cecco del Caravaggio- morte di giacinto Art history is woven with narrative and myth, elements that intertwine in a continuous dialogue between past and present. In a previous analysis, I had the pleasure of exploring through the canvases of renowned artists the myth of the tragic death of Hyacinthus. This youth, beloved by the illustrious Apollo, met his death during a discus throwing competition, transformed into an instrument of vengeance by the god Zephyrus, who was also in love, but unrequited, with the handsome Hyacinthus.The discus, the instrument of this tragedy, is represented in artworks with various…

Cornelis Cornelisz van Haarlem An intriguing image that, at first glance, might seem licentious, actually hides an ironic representation of the dynamics behind the austere walls of convents.The 1591 painting, currently housed in the Frans Hals Museum in Haarlem, is the work of Cornelis Cornelisz van Haarlem (1562-1638), a Dutch painter from the Mannerist period. This piece appears to narrate the "Miracle of Haarlem," a curious legend involving a nun accused of secretly giving birth to a child.At first, themes of debauchery seem to emerge clearly, such as the sin of gluttony represented by succulent fruits, drunkenness highlighted by a…

In the historic heart of Vercelli, inside the Church of San Marco, an exhibition of rare beauty unfolds until January 8, 2024: "The Singing Wood." The Church of San Marco, with its internal structure named ARCA, transforming it into a cathedral of arts, hosts this unique exhibition that intertwines the strings of 19th-century painting with those of period guitars. Part of the celebrations dedicated to Master Angelo Gilardino, a renowned composer and guitarist who passed away on January 14, 2022, the exhibition becomes a dialogue between images and melodies, memory and sound.The exhibition showcases a selection of instruments from the…

Visiting the exhibition "The Singing Wood," running until January 8, 2024, at ARCA in the Church of San Marco in Vercelli, a celebratory event dedicated to Master Angelo Gilardino, one can admire, among various 19th-century works, an extraordinary canvas by Giacomo Grosso. This piece stands out not only for its impressive size but also for its unusual and deeply human depiction of a classic theme, offering a fresh perspective on sanctity through intimacy and everyday life.Giacomo Grosso, born in Cambiano on May 23, 1860, and deceased in Turin on January 14, 1938, was an artist who masterfully embodied the spirit…

Edouard Manet - Il chitarrista spagnolo In 1860, in the vibrant Paris of the time, Edouard Manet (1832-1883) created an extraordinary work that would later be known as "The Spanish Guitarist". However, more accurately, it should have been titled "The FAKE Spanish Guitarist".This canvas was honored with an exhibition at the Salon, a prestigious periodic exhibition of painting and sculpture held at the magnificent Louvre in 1861. Edouard Manet, with his masterpiece, earned an “honorable mention,” showcasing his undeniable talent. But what makes this guitarist "fake"?The answer is surprisingly simple: he holds the guitar unusually, as a left-hander! It's not…

I remember my first visit to Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella, near Stresa on Lake Maggiore, as if it were yesterday. I was only 7 or 8 years old, and a child's curiosity drove me to run ahead of everyone during the guided tour, eager to be in the front row. I wanted to hear every word the guide said and tried to get the best possible view, considering my not-so-imposing height at the time.Over the years, I have returned many times to this place that tastes like a fairy tale for me. Each time, I brought home some image,…

When discussing the "spatial concept," one's mind immediately leaps to Lucio Fontana's famous "slashes," an icon that has profoundly marked the collective imagination, including those not regularly immersed in the art world. This term, widely debated and analyzed by critics, refers – in very simplified terms – to the artist's attempt to explore dimensions beyond the painted surface, seeking alternative spaces to extend the artistic experience beyond the canvas's limits.Without dwelling excessively on Fontana, or entering the debate about him, I wish to focus instead on how, in eras preceding his famous "slashes" or "holes," other artists explored this "beyond"…