Tag: Italy

ARTEVENTO CERVIA: 44th Edition of The World’s Longest-Running International Kite Festival Celebrates Culture, Resilience, and Unity

From April 20th to May 1st, 2024, the picturesque beach of Pinarella di Cervia, Italy, will once again play host to the world’s longest-running International Kite Festival, ARTEVENTO CERVIA. This year’s 44th edition promises to be a vibrant celebration of culture, resilience, and unity, with a special tribute to the Emilia Romagna region. Since its inception, ARTEVENTO CERVIA has served as a platform for “wind artists” to showcase their innovative creations and promote peace and sustainable development through cultural exchange. This year’s edition will feature twelve days dedicated to sustainable creativity, with a diverse program of guests, shows, insights, and celebrations.

Donatello Puzzle: The Deposition of Christ and High Altar at Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua

As part of the exhibition dedicated to Donatello at the Victoria and Albert Museum (“Donatello: Sculpting the Renaissance,” which took place from February 11, 2023, to June 11, 2023), a conference organized by the V&A Research Institute was held in London. It focused on the Medici sculptor par excellence, the only one honored with burial in the crypt of the Basilica of the Florentine dynasty of San Lorenzo. Speeches were scheduled over two days and saw the presence of the most important specialists in the international arena. They took stock of the studies dedicated to the Master, which, despite having a very extensive bibliography, still leave many questions open.

Rediscovered Renaissance: Parmigianino’s Hidden Drawing Unveiled in Bologna

Amid the gathering of esteemed institutions and dignitaries, a significant revelation took center stage: an unpublished drawing, measuring 18.9 cm by 17.7 cm, depicting a holy family. This masterpiece, hailing from the esteemed collection of Emile Calando, was presented by a prominent Bolognese company. Notably, this drawing had once shared a space with works by titans like Michelangelo and Raphael and was now speculated to be a rare gem from Parmigianino’s early Roman period, reflecting clear Mannerist undertones.

Raffaello Sanzio’s Mary Magdalene has been Found!

The recent unveiling of a remarkable masterpiece by Raffaello Sanzio, depicting Mary Magdalene and dating back to 1505, has sent shockwaves through the art world. This extraordinary find, acquired by a discerning French private collector from a gallery, has rekindled the fervor surrounding Raphael’s genius. The astute gallery owner, with a discerning eye, purchased the painting at an auction, oblivious to the fact that the poplar board had been subtly mounted onto the back of a nineteenth-century Florentine-style parquet. This feature mirrored that of another Raphael masterpiece, the three Graces, housed at the Condé Museum. Interestingly, this newfound treasure originated from a private London collection, adding a layer of mystery to its storied past.

The Dark Side of Everyday Life: Wang Guangyi’s Solo Exhibition “Obscured Existence” in Italy at Palazzo Pitti

This exhibition, comprising 28 masterful paintings by the renowned artist Wang Guangyi, guides visitors through four distinct cycles. These cycles delve into the underlying essence of the ritualistic nature of daily gestures and the use of common objects. Simultaneously, the works delve into the profound impact of one’s cultural background on the interpretation of art. The journey begins with “Daily Life,” a series of paintings focusing on the intimacy of small, everyday gestures performed by each of us. Within this initial series, Wang Guangyi portrays moments of private life, capturing individuals in vulnerable states, emphasizing how the ordinary can attain ritualistic significance.

Leonardo da Vinci’s Ideal Horse has been Found!

Leonardo da Vinci, widely regarded as the preeminent Master of All Time, stands as the most extensively studied artist globally. This polymathic genius continues to captivate the imagination, as exemplified by the suspenseful thriller “The Da Vinci Code,” a work of fiction positing that Leonardo embedded intricate clues within his creations. This fascination stems from his embodiment of the universalist spirit of the Renaissance. Among his most iconic drawings, “The Vitruvian Man” has long been a subject of discourse, as scholars endeavor to unveil the concealed secrets behind its depiction of ideal proportions.

Salvator Mundi: a Bone of Contention – Prominent Art Restorer Speaks Out

Salvator Mundi is a remarkable painting by Leonardo da Vinci, known for its record-breaking sale of $450 million. This renowned artwork possesses a long and intriguing history, with some experts dating its creation back to the late 1490s, while others argue it was completed after 1500. There is a theory suggesting that it may have been commissioned for King Louis XII of France and his consort, Anne of Brittany, possibly soon after the conquests of Milan and Genoa. However, it is important to note that not all historians accept this theory. By delving into the painting’s history from its inception to the present day, we can observe the impact of the art market, pricing, and the various interventions it has undergone.

Groundbreaking study on Leonardo da Vinci’s red chalk drawing reveals the face of Federico da Montefeltro

The International Conference, Leonardo The Immortal Light, held at Palazzo Li Madou in Ancona, unveiled a groundbreaking study on Leonardo da Vinci’s red chalk drawing, revealing that it depicted the features of Federico da Montefeltro, the Duke of Urbino. The event, now in its 30th edition, explored Leonardo’s genius through scientific research, philosophy, and art, with renowned experts presenting their findings. The conference also highlighted the role of Neoplatonism during the Renaissance, the symbolism employed by Federico at his court, and the anatomical details of the drawing. The event culminated in the awarding of the prestigious Leonardo International Award to the Marche Region for its commitment to culture, tourism, and sustainability. The discoveries made during the conference underscored the profound connection between the Marches and Leonardo’s works, emphasizing the need for a new humanism that unites spirituality and intellectual achievements. The event serves as a catalyst for cultural rebirth, inspiring further research and appreciation of Leonardo’s legacy, while envisioning a future where art, science, and philosophy intertwine to shape a harmonious society.

Braille Transformed into Art: Fulvio Morella’s Exhibition in Rome

Following its acquisition by the Braille Museum in Milan, Morella brings a collection of works to Rome that delve into the very essence of limitations. At the heart of the exhibition lies OCULUS, a remarkable chalcography paying homage to Rome and the profound human ingenuity embodied by the Pantheon. True to Morella’s artistic style, OCULUS is enhanced and “completed” by a Braille inscription, translated into French, English, and Italian, which reads, “Not always closed eyes sleep, not always open eyes see.” Additionally, showcasing his interest in the artistic process, the artist offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into this ambitious project, presenting the magnesium matrices and preparatory works created from 2021 until present alongside the final artwork.

MEDEA Contemporary Art Exhibition curated by Demetrio Paparoni 

The exhibition includes works by 17 artists created specifically on the theme of Medea, one of the most famous and controversial characters in Greek mythology. It reveals the extent to which the story of the sorceress, infanticide in Euripides’ narration, still affects the imagination of our times. Through the unprecedented gaze of contemporary artists from different geographical areas – from Northern Europe to China, from the Caucasus region to South-East Asia, as well as Italy – the exhibition highlights the inseparable link between Siracusa and ancient theatre. Classical tragedy is thus revived in Siracusa through contemporary artistic expressions also in the field of visual arts.