225: Week 7 10-5-2010

               Art is a difficult word to describe.  It appears in many different forms, yet those forms can be highly subjective.  Art to the abstract painter may not feel like art to the deliberate photographer.  However, whether in the form of a photo, a piece of marble, or oils on canvas, art always goes through a process to reach the final outcome.  And for every individual artist, art happens differently.

                In general, there are two basic processes that come to mind when thinking about how art happens.  They both deal with where an artist gets his or her inspiration.  The first way that art happens is by seeing things in the world and then creating a copy of the object in some form of art.  This is the approach that a realistic artist would take.  I think that art happens in this way when we become enamored by some landscape or object we see in life.  For example, endless numbers of sunsets have been studied and replicated in the form of paintings.  They are so beautiful and each unique, that when an artist sees one in real life, they study the image and try to copy it in an effort to capture that moment in time.  And I believe catching a moment in time is the main effort of an artist that creates art in this fashion.  For example, I am not the most creative person, but art happens this way for me because it gives me some final outcome to work towards.  Yesterday we learned how to create a stamp for printing paper.  I carved a lion into my zinc pad.  The lion was not something that I created from my own mind; it was a replica from a picture.  In this case, God was the true artist, creating the image of a lion for me to replicate in my own form.  

                On the contrast, some artists are able to create their own image and copy it from their mind to their art medium.  Art happens very differently in this case.  It is often more personalized, representing unique ideas and creations.  When I think about art happening in this manner, artists such as Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque come to my mind.  It is often hard to interpret exactly what image the artist intended to portray.  When art happens in this fashion, it is extremely unique, and to me it speaks of pure creativity.  This art process is truly beyond my comprehension.  The inspiration for this form of art comes directly from the mind, which is not something that everyone is capable of doing.  In my opinion, it is very fascinating.  The ability to create detailed images in your mind and then accurately copy them onto canvas or carve them into marble is something that should genuinely be appreciated.  It is an incredible way for art to happen.

                Although art is often thought of as an intentional process, I believe that there is a third way for art to happen that is not as intentional.  I think that some art is made so famous because of mistakes the artists made.  However, the beauty of mistakes is that they create a uniqueness that is impossible to be repeated.  Mistakes are not part of the vision an artist begins with, but sometimes they are more beautiful than the vision could ever be.  Whether an artist gets inspiration from a worldly object or from inside his own mind, it is virtually impossible to re-create that vision 100% accurately.  However, that is the beauty of art—mistakes leave a distinctive and lasting impression on viewers that would not otherwise be possible.  In reality, the mistakes are only mistakes because they did not occur intentionally.  I prefer to look them as originality.

                Whether art comes from the mind or the earth, happens fast or slow, or has flaws rather than perfection, it always occurs in a process.  For each individual, the process is one of a kind.  In turn makes each piece of art one of a kind, which is truly the beauty of it all.

314 Session 6: 28/9/2010

Jews, Gypsies, North Africans, and Mexicans

               For some reason, the immediate reaction that people (at least in America) have when conversation about immigration is brought up is that immigrants come illegally and cause problems.  People immediately assume that most immigrants don’t belong and that they are taking over; taking our jobs, our living space, and overflowing our public areas.  Whether it’s Gypsies in Italy or Mexicans in America, people have their share of complaints about immigrants.  This is exactly what I was expecting the speaker about Italian immigration to discuss.  It is as if there is some general mindset about the word “immigrant”, like it only applies to those that move illegally to a different country.  I was pleasantly surprised last week when the speaker began to focus on legal immigration.  It forced me to realize how legal immigration takes place in higher amounts than illegal immigration and that it is important to view immigration in a new light.

                Coming from America, a country built on immigration, it can be a little hard to understand why people have such a negative view about immigrants.  After all, the country was founded by people who emigrated from various parts of the world in search of a new life.  At that time, immigration was the ideal solution for many people.  They were trying to find a better life by getting a fresh start in a land where freedom was guaranteed.  And because of this influx of many different people and cultures, America has become the country that it is today. 

                It was very interesting to discover from Monsieur that Italy additionally encounters a lot of immigration—more than I had ever realized.  It is also a very diverse place with people coming from Romania, Albania, and Morocco.  The statistics were quite fascinating.  However, I was really surprised that only one small section of his presentation was dedicated to illegal immigrants.  Monsieur pointed out that legal immigrants come in much higher numbers than illegal immigrants, making it appear that illegal immigration is not as big of a problem than most people stereotypically think. 

                In fact, immigration is a wonderful thing for a country.  A transfer of ideas, goods, products, and traditions occurs whenever people from different cultures interact.  Additionally, it improves the economy by having more consumers, producers, and even workers.  Immigrants in both Italy and America are increasing in numbers annually.  I believe that people as a whole need to focus more on the benefits that immigration has brought and that it is often a good thing.  Without it America would not exist.

                In the overall picture, my biggest question/challenge is how can we, as a people, change this negative mindset about immigration?  First, I think that people need to understand what exactly is going on with immigration.  So much effort and attention is put on the influx of illegal immigrants that it is twisting our perspective.  By understanding that the majority of immigrants come legally in an effort to create a better life, we can begin to re-paint our picture of what immigration is all about.  In reality, the stereotypical illegal immigrants give all immigrants a bad name.  For America it’s the Mexicans coming to steal all the jobs, while for Italy it’s the dirty gypsies that are begging and pick-pocketing in the streets.  However, if we are able to overcome these stereotypes and learn to embrace the diversity that this life brings, we will all enjoy what can be learned from one another.

325: Week 6 Blog

Journal Prompt:  The Pope’s address on Easter and Christmas always begins, “ Urbi et Orbi”  - “To the City of Rome and to the World.” The term “Roman Catholic” also suggests that there is something “roman” and something “universal” about the Church. In what sense is the Church “roman” and in what sense is it “global?”

            Over the past month and a half, we have spent every day studying, visiting, talking about, and reading about Rome and its history.  The thing that has stuck out the most to me is that every aspect of Rome, whether the art, the ancient ruins, or the sculptures, has a religious background or interpretation.  This leads me to understand that the church is very Roman.  When the church began with Constantine, ancient Romans were accustomed to creating extravagant alters and temples and places of worship for their gods.  Naturally, when the Roman religion focused to one God, the Romans continued the tradition of honoring God in the most prestigious way possible.  The best painters, the best sculptors, and the best architects were hired to create magnificent places to worship God.  This is important because it means that the churches and basilicas were created by Romans, and we still reflect on and study their styles and techniques to this day.  Therefore, the art influence on the church has given it many Roman characteristics.

The look of the church is only one part that characterizes it.  There is a second approach to viewing the church as “roman”.  As history proves, the pope is the successor of St. Peter.  This is very important considering that St. Peter was the first Bishop of Rome.  Additionally, the pope is the leader for the Catholic Church, all over the world.  This creates a really strong tie between the church and Rome, because historically, they are deeply connected.  The pope’s jurisdiction is called the “Apostolic See”, which is a tradition of the Church that exists because St. Peter was martyred in Rome.  The origin of the church was during ancient Romans times, and from these examples we can see that the traditions have continued into the Church that we know today.  Combining the ancient traditions and art of Rome with the successive line of bishops, starting with St. Peter, gives us a “roman” aspect to the church today.   

The Pope has always been located in the separate state of Vatican City, but throughout time he has been a church leader to more than just Rome.  People from all corners of the world, whether their religion is Catholic or not, look to the Pope an important spiritual guide.  The Pope speaks from the viewpoint of the church, which in turn causes the church to have a very universal aspect.  Through the Pope, people all over the world are inspired and influenced by the church.  It does not necessarily matter whether people follow the Catholic ways or are a believer in another form of religion; it is simply that the Pope brings encouragement and moral guidance that all people benefit from receiving.

I did not understand this, truthfully at all, until we discussed the papal audience and then became a part of it.  I saw inspiration in so many diverse people, and even experienced this feeling myself.  For the majority of the trip, I have felt a sense of separation from a lot of the spiritual situations we have encountered.  I did not identify with a lot of the Catholic traditions and extravagances, because all my life I have been of protestant faith.  However, starting with the visit to St. Peter’s Basilica, things started to appear to me in a different light.  I have realized that the things I am seeing are all connected to what I believe in also, and suddenly my religion has a past that I can understand and that feels real.  It was then that the role of the Pope in the world started to make sense to me, and I was really excited to be a member of his audience.  It does not matter that our religions are not the same; the Pope offers his guidance to everyone.  As I soaked in all that was going on around us on Wednesday, this became more and more clear.

By observing the Papal address, I got the greatest sense of how universal the church is. People came from all over the world on Wednesday to receive the blessed words that the Pope had to offer.  As the leader of the church, this gives the church a very universal sense.  The adoration that people show for the Pope speaks for this “universality” in itself.  People everywhere were on the edge of their seats, prepared to show the Pope in every way possible that they were there to support him.  By taking the time and effort to speak in seven different languages, the Pope shows his acceptance and appreciation of all people.  In return, people are truly touched by the Pope’s efforts to create a universal understanding.  For example, I saw two women from Brazil that looked like two children anticipating Christmas morning.  When Pope Benedict began to speak in Portuguese, they were so touched by hearing and understanding his words that they began to cry.  This truly says something for the Pope’s efforts to reach people all over the world and speak on behalf of the church. 

I am so glad to have that unforgettable experience of seeing the Pope. 

225: Week 6 9-21-10

1)      The object I chose from St. Peter’s Basilica is St. Peter’s Baldaccino.

2)      It is located in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City.

3)      The structure is 30 meters tall and made of bronze.

4)      Biographical

Bernini was one of the most influential artists of the Renaissance times in Rome.  He led the way into a Baroque revolution of art and architecture.  Bernini’s main goal that he was trying accomplish in his art was to give people an incredible 3D view, from all sides of an object.  The unique Baldaccino in St. Peter’s Basilica is a perfect example of true Bernini work.  While one can find baldaccino’s covering the high alter in every basilica, Bernini’s creation is very unique because of his personal vision and style and because of the significance of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Bernini’s Baldaccino is so unique because of the personal inspiration Bernini put into it.  For example, baldaccini are typically made of marble.  However, inspired by the canopy carried over the Pope during processions, Bernini created his entirely out of bronze that came from the Pantheon.  This was probably Bernini’s way of showing respect to the popes, who reigned after St. Peter.  Additionally, Bernini decorated the columns with Barberini bees, which was the family that Pope Urban VIII came from, whom commissioned Bernini.  Bernini carefully planned and created every detail of the Baldaccino.  In order to represent the column was bound to before he was crucified, Bernini created the columns with spiral shape.   Bernini undertook a huge task when he designed and built the Baldaccino in St. Peter’s Basilica.  He had to create something unique, yet impressive in size and appearance in order to fill the large space from the ground to the height of the dome.  I am so impressed with the vision that Bernini had in order to create such a magnificent structure.  It is unique in a way that I think only Bernini could accomplish.  Additionally, the thought and detail Bernini put into the Baldaccino represents everything that was important to St. Peter and what his life signified. 

1)      My chosen piece of art from the Sistine Chapel is Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam

2)      The fresco is located in the central part of the ceiling in the Sistine Chapel.

3)      The size of the fresco is 480 cm x 230 cm and it is made by painting on wet plaster.

4)      Formal Aspects:

Michelangelo, although not originally a painter, created one of the most known and impressive art collections in the world when he painted the interior of the Sistine Chapel.   Specifically, The Creation of Adam, located in the center of the ceiling, delivers a powerful message in a unique and captivating way.  The formal aspects of Michelangelo’s work come together into an incredible masterpiece.

The medium used to create the painting is paint on wet plaster, better known as a fresco.  This is an extremely difficult process because the artist has to work very quickly in order to complete the painting before the plaster dries.  However, Michelangelo mastered this technique, as we can still see today.  The color is still strong today because of this long-lasting technique.  The line in this painting is very distinct.  Our eyes are immediately drawn to the line created by Adam and God’s arms as God reaches out to Adam in order to give him life.  The colors of the painting are rather cool, creating a peaceful atmosphere.  This helps us, as observers, understand that Michelangelo intended this to be a holy scene.  The light that Michelangelo used is very important.  Both God and Adam are lit up, as if they are full of the life that is being transferred from God to Adam.  Space is one of the most important aspects of this painting.  The space between the two figures shows how they are separate, yet connected.  It helps us understand that life is coming from God across the middle space and into Adam, who is mirrored in God’s image.  Michelangelo certainly used his talents and vision to create a spectacular scene telling of the creation story.  It is one of the most beautiful pieces of art I’ve ever seen.

314 Session 5: 9/16/2010

In some ways, the history of the Jewish community is something that we are all aware of.  The tragic events that Jews experienced are taught throughout our entire lives, as it was certainly a major part of the world’s history.  However, I never truly considered what the average Jewish life was like until we visited the ghettos that the Jewish community was confined to.  Suddenly, everything has been put into a different perspective.  During the time that Jews lived there, the ghetto had a huge impact on people inside and outside of the walls.  Additionally, people continue to be impacted by the ghetto to this day.

                In the past, people outside of the ghetto walls viewed the ghetto as a representation of the status that Jews held in Rome.  Rome went through periods of high tolerance for the Jewish culture, and oppositely periods of very little tolerance for the Jewish presence in Rome.  However, whether the goal was acceptance or not, Rome always kept a certain amount of control over the Jews.  This is reflected in the very idea of the Jewish ghetto.  It was as if the people outside the ghetto were expressing that, whether respected or not, Jews always had a certain place in Rome that was meant to be very clear.  It appears as if it was a matter of power and control, as many aspects of Rome have always been about.  The People outside the ghetto walls were impacted by that feeling of control; it was the Romans homeland, and whether they were going to be tolerate of the Jew’s vastly different lifestyle or not, they made it very clear where the Jewish community stood in Roman culture.

                For the people living inside the ghetto in the past, the impact was incredibly stronger.  The walls of the ghetto dictated in every way how the people inside lived.  The Jewish community was, in every sense of the word, confined.  They were confined to small living areas, to a specific lifestyle, and even to a certain appearance.  I am sure that this must have made them feel lesser than other people.  Additionally, there is a strong sense of being trapped.  Every part of their life was trapped inside an area too small to sustain the population.  In a lot of ways, the ghetto forced the Jewish community to contain all of their culture in one area that the Jews were locked into daily, like caged animals.

                The Jewish ghetto has a very different effect today on both people inside the walls and those outside the walls.  Those outside the walls are constantly reminded of the way that Jews were treated in the past.  The ghettos represent the fact that Jews were not viewed as equal, and they paid some high prices for that.  As someone on the outside of the ghetto walls, I was highly impacted by seeing what life inside was truly like.  The close living space is something that one cannot comprehend from the outside.  However, it is still clear that life was not ideal inside the ghetto.  However, I find it very interesting to realize that everything sacred and important to the Jews were a part of that small area.  They always put emphasis on the importance of religious traditions and ceremonies by using the space they had to honor these things.  As an outsider viewing the ghetto today, it was moving to realize how the Jewish community survived on a daily basis. 

                It appears as if the people inside the ghetto are impacted very differently than any other group has been.  When we visited the ghettos, I got a really different sense from the people inside the ghetto walls today.  While these people are certainly impacted by the history that surrounds them and are reminded of it daily, they seem to embrace the idea of the ghetto in a very different way.  Today, the ghetto appears  like a place where Jewish people express their culture.  The shops and bakeries and restaurants are one of a kind, and thoroughly Jewish.  It as if the ghetto today is a way to preserve the culture and traditions of the Jews.  I feel a sense of pride from the people inside the ghetto walls today, as they proudly share their original history and culture with the rest of the world. 

                Whether from the outside or inside of the Jewish ghetto, during contemporary times or in the past, the impact of life in the Jewish ghettos is strong.  It is very eye-opening to experience the ghettos and to try and form an idea of what life was like in the past.   I am very impressed with the way that the ghettos have transformed into a place that celebrates the culture and past of Jewish life, instead of confining and defining it.

325: Week 4 Blog: 9-6-2010

Piazza Navona

The first time I ventured into Rome without being guided by anyone, I realized how winding and narrow the roads are. Everything seemed tight, and somewhat abandoned. Where were all the people? Katie Brown and I were doing our best to get our own personal perspective of what Rome is all about, but all we were discovering was what seemed like a maze of old buildings. Suddenly, we wound our way into Piazza Navona; it was as if we unexpectedly stepped into a whole new world, and everything became clear. We had finally reached the Rome that we had heard so much about and had seen in pictures. The Piazzi of Rome are the heart of the city and the place to go in order to truly discover Italian culture.

Piazza della Minerva

The first thing that I realized when I stepped into the open space was that there was a lot of things going on all at once. It was as if the art, history, religion, cuisine, businesses, and people of the city were all there in one place. We did not need to walk for miles to get from an art museum to a church then to a restaurant in order to see what Italian culture is all about. It was truly all in front of us, waiting for us to soak it in. Immediately we noticed Bernini’s sculpture of the four major rivers of the world. It was not only a time to appreciate the incredible artists of Italy’s past, but also was a history lesson about the Baroque time period of art. It is such an incredible sculpture. Next, we were amused by the various independent artists and musicians around the piazza, trying to make a few extra bucks with their talents. This was incredibly interesting, because it said a lot about what Italy is all about. It is a country famous for its art and culture from the past, and the artists in the piazza show how Italians are trying to continue that reputation. We did not spend a lot of extra time in Piazza Navona that day, but it certainly left a lasting impression on me.

Piazza del Popolo

As we continue to travel around the city and have had the chance to visit other Piazzi, it has become apparent that they are more than just a place for artists to make some money. They speak so distinctly about the Italian culture. In fact, it seems as though one can learn everything about who Italians are by visiting the Piazzi of Rome. Each one includes all the major aspects of Italian culture. As I mentioned earlier, there is always some form of incredible public art at the center of the Piazza. Additionally, there are modern artists spread throughout the area. There is also a church located along one side of each Piazza, indicating the religious importance that Italians include in their lives. Along the walls of the square, there are two very important parts of Italian culture: food and shopping stores. Pasta, pizza, and paninis are always available to give everyone a true taste of what Italians eat. It is also true that you cannot walk more than 5 steps without seeing gelato stand after gelato stand. Additionally, the numerous stores are a way for people, tourists specifically, to take a piece of Italy home with them.

In class today we decided that Piazzi are the “quintessential public places” of Italy. I have not experienced it during the night time, but I have found out that Italians come out during the evenings and simply live. Adults converse while their children play in the large open area. It is simply a place for people to hang out. Everything they need is located within the Piazza, and as a tourist I can translate that into seeing all of Italian culture in one place. When I read Muriel Spark’s essay in The Smiles of Rome, I understood how the Piazza speaks about the culture and lifestyles of Italians. Spark talks about her memories of the various Piazzi she lived in, and how she spent her time simply living throughout the Piazzi. Her experiences of having dinner and talking with friends became a part of who she was as she learned to live as the Italians do. Spark recalls, “If you live in central Rome you have only to walk down the street and you come to a fountain by Bernini in which children are playing or a Michelangelo embassy or some fine fifteenth-century building with today’s washing hanging out.” It is amazing to me to think about how natural the aspects of the Piazzi that we, as tourists, marvel at are to the Italians that live there.

Today we visited Piazza Navona again, which was the second time I was there. After discussing the Italian Piazza in class and reading the essays from Smiles, I was able to get a better appreciation for how much of a story each Piazza tells. I realized that Italian culture was right in front of me, all wrapped into one central place. The really neat thing, though, is that each Piazza tells this same story about Italy and its culture in slightly different versions. I cannot wait to experience my next piece of Italian culture.

Piazza di Spagna

314 Session 3: 9-2-2010

Authentic Hero


It seems rare to me these days to hear about stories of people helping others simply because they felt that it was the right thing to do. Often I see life in a way that says everyone is out for themselves, because it appears that if we live any differently, we will get stepped all over. It is sad to me that at times we do not take a chance to leave our own feelings behind and make a difference to somebody else, no matter how big or small. However, sometimes I get encouraged by the incredible things that people have done in the past. This week I was inspired by the story of Giorgio Perlasca, who is thought to be an authentic Italian hero. Giorgio Perlasca was a humble man whose life told a fascinating and courageous story.

Because I was not personally able to view the movie about Giorgio Perlasca, I have a general understanding of his life; but it was enough for me to be inspired by his greatness. Perlasca was in the Balkans during World War II, working to get supplies for the Italian army. He was a strong fascist, which caused him to be captured during the Nazi preoccupation in Budapest. However, Perlasca had connections with the Spanish government from his military service during the Spanish Civil War, and he knew that he would be safe if he made it to the Spanish Embassy. However, during the time that he was captured, he realized the plan of the Nazis to kill all the Jews. It was at the Spanish Embassy, when everyone else was leaving for safety, that Perlasca made the decision that turned him into a hero. He chose to stay at the embassy, pretending to be the Spanish ambassador, and do everything in his power to save as many Jews as possible from their sure death.

Wow, what a truly impressive story to tell! As I reiterate the facts that are probably better known by others than me, I am amazed at the strength that one man could have. He had no real connection to the people that he was risking his life for, yet he found a way to put himself in their shoes and realize that life was not meant to end for all those people at that time, especially in that way. In my opinion, this is exactly what makes him and Authentic Italian Hero. Authentic is another way to say original, something that is not able to be made again. The fact that Perlasca was able to take himself and his own feelings out of the situation and think about the well being of others is what makes him such a legitimate hero to me. It is something so rare, in the past as well as today, that we marvel at stories like that of Perlasca for years to follow.

When I contemplate the idea of an authentic hero, I do not usually picture something so extravagant as the story of Perlasca. I usually bring the thought down to a more personal level that I can relate a little more to. For example, my mom is one of those people that have the qualities of an authentic hero. Of course she has never made a choice that has put herself in great danger to save thousands of lives, but she lives every day with the attitude that Perlasca had. I always see her sitting her own feelings aside in order to do things for others. Specifically, my mom spends nearly all of her time taking care of the needs of my elderly grandparents, and it’s something that she does without hesitation. And I believe that her dedication to them has saved their lives in many ways.

This is a really personal example to me, but I believe that it is the best example I can give of an authentic hero, because in many ways it reminds me of the attitude that Perlasca had. Even though he did something monumental, he never told anyone his story. It was not until years later that his story was found, written down by Perlasca, in a table drawer. Perlasca’s humility and humble behavior impresses me so much, and also reminds me of how my mom handles her situations in life. It is about service and sacrifice—two things that everyone should focus a little more time on, including myself. In my opinion, the people that do this, whether anybody else knows it or not, are the true authentic heroes. I am so grateful to have been reminded by that heroes exist, in the past and still today. It is truly something to learn from.

225: Week 3 9-2-2010

1) My first chosen piece of art for this week is Scala Santa, or the Holt Stairs.


2) This beautiful sight is located in the Lateran Palace in Piazza di San Giovanni.

3) The staircase is 28 steps high and is made of marble. However, today the steps are covered by wood to protect them.

4) Iconography

Often we think of art as something that is aesthetically pleasing and is created for people to look at. However, sometimes the art that I personally find most beautiful are things that stand for something beautiful or interesting. The Scala Santa is one of these structures that strikes me because of what it means. As soon as I stepped into the Lateran Palace today, I immediately noticed people kneeling on a staircase, silently praying. After a little explanation about what those stairs represent, I was able to understand why these people were in such a reverent state.

Legends say that these steps were brought from Pilot’s house in Jerusalem. It is thought that they are the steps that Jesus actually walked down after he was condemned. Today they are covered by wooden boards in order to preserve them. They are so holy that people are only allowed to climb them on their knees (Blue Guide Book pg. 365. When I saw this happening today, I could immediately tell that these steps were really iconic. There is such a deep connection with one’s faith when in the presence of a place that Jesus was. It is not fact that He walked these steps, but just the idea of it is enough to draw people closer to Him. The hallway that the stairs are in is beautifully decorated with frescos, giving it a peaceful attitude. The Scala Santa represents deep spirituality and a connection to faith unlike any place I have ever been.

1) The second piece of art I chose for this week is the Egyptian Obelisk in Piazza di San Giovanni.

2) This statue is located in Piazza di San Giovanni, behind the San Giovanni Basilica.

3) This obelisk is the tallest one, standing 32.18 meters tall (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_obelisks_in_Rome).

4) History

One thing about the city of Rome that fascinates me is that the artwork has so much diversity. Rome has such a long history that there are several different time periods, which cause the appearance of things to vary. Additionally, there is a lot of art that comes from different countries. One example of this is the various Egyptian obelisks. In the ancient times before Christ, Egyptian art had a lot of influence on Rome, which is why the obelisks were brought to Rome. At that time, they were dedicated to the god of the sun, Apollo. However, later they became decorations of the city, which is their purpose to this day (Blue Guide Book pg. 357).

The obelisk we saw today in Piazza di San Giovanni is particularly interesting for several reasons. First, it is the oldest and tallest obelisk located in Rome, and is also the last one that was brought from Egypt. Second, I find it interesting that it was originally dedicated to Pharaoh Thutmosis IV, but was moved some time after that. It was later found decorating the Circus Maximus, and in 1588 was relocated to Piazza di San Giovanni. Fortunately, it is still in excellent condition so that we can still enjoy its symbols (http://www.romeartlover.it/Vasi34.html#Obelisk).

325: Week 3 Blog 8-30-2010

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are three religions that have been influencing the way that people live for centuries. And like all things that have a long and deep history, religion is something that has undergone many changes over time. New theological, along with scientific, revelations can lead the deep faith instilled in these religions in one of two directions—it can either support them and encourage growth, or it can limit the faith required for the religion to survive. We see now more than ever a large number of people fighting to disprove the faithful beliefs of religious people, but yet the hope of a future salvation is still strong within the western religions. I believe that the history connected with these religions helps keep the faith strong and growing to this day.


In a lot of aspects, I think that whether people let history bolster or limit their faith just depends on how they embrace the new findings in scientific knowledge and how they relate them to what the past holds. For example, it was a lot easier to believe in miracles in the past when the resources weren’t available for people to try and question them. Some people view this ignorance as something to disprove, which certainly limits their faith today. However, in my opinion, the scientific discoveries linked to the deep past of my faith make is stronger. It helps me understand that science and faith can work together.

Additionally, the pure faith that people had in history is inspiring to me. As I was reading our assignments in The Smiles of Rome for this week, I was impressed with the letters that St. Peter and St. Paul wrote to the people of that time. It particularly struck me when I realized that the advice they were giving was applicable to my life now. St. Peter’s letter was encouraging to live as a humble and respectful person, which are things that we all should be mindful of. After reading his letter, I was reminded of some of the things that I need to do in order to live as a better person. It really bolsters my faith to realize that people in the past struggled with similar things we do today. They encouraged and supported each other in ways that are familiar to me from my family, friends, and church community. For example, St. Paul said, “Do not model yourselves on the behaviour of the world around you, but let your behaviour change, modelled by your new mind.” (pg. 83) Almost 2000 years later, I find these words encouraging and sensible in my own life, which bolsters my faith so much.

As time passes, religion changes and grows. Things are not the same today as they were in the Old Testament because with new discoveries and revelations people learn how to grow and become more faithful to their religion. If things were the same today as they were in the Old Testament, I think that people would have a lot of problems with religion and faith because it would appear as if our lives are not headed in any particular direction. However, because religion has grown so much as time passes, it helps bolster faith along with the time. It seems as though things are progressing towards something, such as the promised salvation for those that choose that path.

314 Session 2: 8-26-10

Rome vs. Jerusalem: Modern Day


It is often said that history repeats itself, which is a fascinating idea to try and comprehend. Certainly, the world is constantly learning from the events of the past, and growing in numerous ways. However, it is very interesting to see that there truly is congruence between the world we live in today and the societies of the past. As we study the relationship between Rome and Jerusalem, I am able to compare it to cultural clashes that we see today. I believe that there are two ways to view this. First, it is interesting to see that there are countries comparable to the structure and driving forces of Rome and Jerusalem. However, I find it more interesting to compare the relationship between the two cities to the relationship between cultures in our contemporary world. Specifically, I see many parallels between the culture clash of contemporary China and America to that of ancient Rome and Jerusalem.

Though Rome and Jerusalem were distinctly different cultures, they managed to have a very important relationship. Rome was the empirical city, based on “…magnificent power imposed through military might and the force of law…” where the strength clearly came from power (Goodman pg. 29). Romans made their wealth by going into the land of others and taking it over. They were truly an empirical culture. The city was overpopulated, and separated by the very poor and the very rich. There was no in-between in the ancient Roman times. However, it was yet a beautiful city, inspiring to those that visited. Rome was modern and technologically advanced during those times. In a lot of ways, this picture of ancient Rome reminds me of modern day China—an overpopulated advanced society that is one of a kind. The wealth of China is greatly made from their ability to provide products to the world. It seems as if objects made in China are found in every corner of the world. I find this comparable to the way that Rome left its mark on the world by taking cities over in a powerful way. Even though China is not physically fighting their way into other countries, they are similarly leaving a huge mark on the world, and are reaping benefits from this strength.

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On the contrast, Jerusalem was a city with a completely different structure and source of strength. It was largely based on faith and strength from religion. Jerusalem was a place with much more tolerance and ethical treatment from person to person. The poor lived alongside the rich, and the social stratification present in Rome was not a factor of how the Jews lived. In Goodman’s book, Rome and Jerusalem, Jerusalem is recognized as a holy place of revelation and miracles, with wealth being based on religious enthusiasm. In a lot of ways, the driving forces of ancient Jerusalem remind of present day America. America is a country that prides itself on equality and freedom, specifically when it comes to religion. I would not consider America to be as symbolically holy as Jerusalem was, but certainly the U.S. has a society and government based on eliminating the stratification among classes, gender, religion and race. These similarities make it easy for me to see a connection between ancient Jerusalem and the United States today.

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While it is interesting to make a connection between two ancient societies and two modern societies, I like to see the parallels in a deeper way. Not only do the societies connect individually, there is also a connection in the relationships between them. Even though Rome and Jerusalem were vastly different, there was an existing relationship between the two. They were both cities that were growing into beautiful cities at the same time. Being located in the same part of the world, they shared a lot of characteristics that made their lifestyles somewhat similar. Additionally, Romans travelled to Jerusalem and likewise Jews travelled to Rome. This led to a sharing of culture and ways of life between the two, no matter how differently the two societies were. We can see this same phenomenon between America and China today. No matter how vastly different the two are, there is a great deal of cultural transfer between the two. America depends a lot on China for industry, and China depends a lot on America for jobs and business.

The modern relationship of America and China has come to an inevitable point, such as was the relationship between ancient Rome and Jerusalem. Needs and wants, and often curiosity, bring even the most diverse people together. In my opinion, this is a fascinating thing to observe. I hope that America and China are able to remain as individual societies, while still depending on one another to grow. Unfortunately, the relationship that Rome and Jerusalem shared eventually turned into a violen conflict. Even though we see how accurately history tends to repeat, it is my greatest hope that modern societies are able to maintain civil relationships.

225: Tuesday, August 24

Sala della Lupa

1) The piece of art that stood out to me the most this week was Sala della Lupa, the She-Wolf of Rome.

2) The She-Wolf of Rome is located in the Conservator’s Apartment in the Capitoline Museum

3) The statue stands 75 cm high and is 114 cm long, and it is made of bronze.

4) Historical

As an ancient city, it may often seem like Rome has been around forever, without ever having a beginning. However, Rome’s history originates from the legend of Romulus and Remus, famously represented by Sala della Lupa, or the statue of the She-Wolf. Consequently, the She-Wolf has become a symbol of Rome. I find the history of this statue very interesting, because there are two ways to look at it.

First, I like to consider the details of the actual statue, that suggest when the statue was created and who made it. Based on research, there are several clues that lead us to believe the statue was created during the Etruscan times. According to our tour guide, Barbara, the statue was created sometime around the 5th century B.C. or later, which was during the Etruscan time period. Additionally, the Etruscans often build statues out of bronze, which is the material used to create the She-Wolf. Second, while the statue has several realistic details, it is also simplified in some aspects with a geometric style. For example, the hair of the wolf was made designed in a uniform, spiral pattern, which is unrealistic. This geometric style is very characteristic of Greek art, which greatly influenced Roman art during the Etruscan time (http://www.oldandsold.com/articles08/sculpture-12.shtml). The statues of Romulus and Remus, shown underneath the wolf, were added at a much later time, so it is hard to judge the original history based on them.

A second way to look at the history of the statue is to contemplate the actual story that influenced the artist to create it. The legend says that Romulus and his twin brother Remus were thrown into the Tiber River when they were babies so that they would not ever have the chance to become kings. However, the two boys were rescued and kept from starving by a she-wolf. Sometime later they were discovered and raised by a shepherd. Romulus then went on to found Rome and become its first king. This story has true significance to the history of Rome, and the she-wolf is and will forever be a symbol of the city. (http://www.historyonthenet.com/Romans/legend_of_rome.htm) I find it impressive that a legend or myth has left such an impact on the ancient history of Rome.

The Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius

1) My second chosen piece of art for this week is the Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius.

2) There are two copies of this statue, and the original is located inside the Capitoline Musuem, while the replica is located outside the museum in the Piazza del Campidoglio.

3) The statue is 3.5 meters tall and is made of bronze.

4) Iconology

In the very center of Rome lies the Capitoline Hill, which holds some of the city’s most famous and historical sculptures. Upon cresting the hill, one of these sculptures immediately enters into view—the Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius. However, this statue is just a replica of the actual sculpture which lies within the Capitoline Museum. After seeing both of these sculptures, it becomes evident that the artist was trying to tell a story. There is a lot of representation found within the Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius, specifically in the original.

During the tour of the museum, our tour guide gave us a little background of the situation represented by the statue. First of all, the emperor was riding in on his horse from battle. Knowing this makes it easier to interpret the body language displayed in the art. Even though Aurelius just came from war, he was not carrying any weapon. This suggests that he is coming into the city, where weapons are forbidden. The placement of his hands gives us a deeper look into the situation. While his left hand is placed on the once present reins, his right hand is up in the air, giving a sign of peace to the city. The horse Aurelius is riding also tells a story with its body position. The horse is raising one of his legs into the air. Our tour guide explained that the sculptor was most likely sign of peace indicates that he has no intention of killing the prisoner. I believe that the sculptor was making every effort to represent Aurelius as a peaceful and just ruler, so that for thousands of years to come people would respect the emperor. As an added detail, the artist covered the bronze statue in a thin layer of gold, indicating that Aurelius was of great importance to the city, and to history in general. To this day we know that gods and emperors were represented with gold, and it is immediately evident that Aurelius was a really important person of that time. The Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius has many symbols and details that I find it exhilarating to discover what everything represents. The stories that art and sculptures tell are complex and specific, and the statue of Aurelius is no exception.

**Info from our tour of the Capitoline Museum

325: Week 2 Blog 23-8-10

     As one of the many travelers to Rome, it is easy to see how people quickly become captured by all the stories told by the city. It is as if everywhere I turn I am provided with a new and complicated history lesson. That in itself is such an exciting idea. At the same time, it can be a lot to take in. During the rapid week and a half that I have spent experiencing Rome, I have felt many of the strong emotions that Rome provokes within people, and I truly understand why H.V. Morton describes Rome’s history to be both exhilarating and oppressive.

     Rome is truly one of the most interesting and inspiring places I have ever been. No matter how many pictures I take, I simply cannot capture what my eyes see every day. Even on the train ride we take every morning, I continue to find myself discovering something new. Each corner that we encounter reeks of history, and it is as if everything tells a story. For me, this surely is the exhilarating feelings of a traveler that H.V. Morton suggests. When I consider the word exhilarating, I think of things that make me happy in a way that is thrilling and takes my breath away. This history I have discovered in Rome so far does these things in many ways. The rich and complex history of Rome is emphasized by the many buildings left today. To me, this just proves in more than one way that the history of Rome is able to withstand time. Accurately, Rome is an exhilarating place for a traveler, often in ways that are unexplainable. Luigi Barzini spends page after page in his book, The Italians, trying to point out a reason for Italy in general to be so attractive to travelers, and in my reading so far he has not been able to put a reason behind it. Barzini says, “People still come as they came for centuries because they are attracted by a certain quality in Italian life. Whether they know what it is or not, it somehow quickens their blood.” I believe this unconscious quickening of blood that Barzini describes is exactly what makes the history of Rome so exhilarating. I am excited that this thrilling adventure has just begun.

Sunset on our campus

     H.V. Morton also described the history of Rome as an oppressive thing for travelers to experience. At first this idea seems a little strange because it is so contradictory to the history being exhilarating. However, through our in depth discussions in class and our detailed tours of several monumental places, I have begun to realize how demanding the history of Rome is. It is long, complicated, and often times confusing to get a grasp on. Frankly, it is plain exhausting, both physically and mentally. We walk for miles a day in order to see the ancient buildings of Rome’s past with our own eyes, and all the while I find myself struggling to recall the long detailed history of the city. This task is almost overbearing. Additionally, it is somewhat depressing to me when I realize how much of the ancient ruins we see are truly ruins. The buildings are not by any means in the condition of when they were constructed, and many cannot even be used today. In a way, that sort of brings me down to think about all the destruction that takes place over time. When it comes down to it, the history of Rome leads me to think about the future of where I live and come from, and places a sort of burden on how to protect my own history.

     It is easy to describe Rome as the beautiful, ancient, and surely exhilarating place that it is. As a traveler, these are the things you dream about before coming and experience upon arriving. However, it quickly becomes evident, at least from my experience, that the history is a lot to take in, whether you spend days or weeks studying it. The farther we dig, the deeper we go, and the history of Rome is deeper then I can at this point comprehend. And while this tends to be an oppressive idea, I remain excited about the history that I have yet to discover.

225: Tuesday, August 17

Fontana della Barcaccia

1) One object that truly captured me this week was Fontana della Barcaccia.

2) Fontana della Barcaccia is located beautifully in the center of Piazza di Spagna, right at the bottom of the Spanish Steps.

3) Fontana della Barcaccia was made of marble, like most of the structures during that time.

4) Iconography

As you walk around a city such as Rome, it is easy to get caught up in all the sights.  There is always something new and beautiful to look at. However, sometimes it takes a second look to discover the meaning behind all the various pieces of artwork in such an ancient city.  Fontana della Barcaccia left no room for exceptions.  

On Tuesday we visited Piazza di Spagna, a beautiful yet crowded and bustling place to be. Once I got past the overwhelming feeling of how much there was to look at, I realized that everything there was built for a purpose, and stood for something unique. Fontana della Barcaccia was created after a big flood left the square covered in water. Once the water receded, a small boat was left behind, and artist Pietro Bernini created the fountain to remember the event. However, I believe that Bernini was symbolizing much more than an event. The fountain is created in such a way that creates a serene and relaxing atmosphere that is incredibly inviting. To me, the leaking boat represents the flow of life. I’m sure that the flood of 1598 that left behind Bernini’s inspiration was very tragic, but eventually the water receded and life continued. Even after thousands of years, people come to enjoy the beauty of Fontana della Barcaccia. The serenity of the fountain symbolizes movement, relaxation, and even gives a sense of freshness. Katie Brown and I traveled a second day to Piazza di Spagna, at an early time of the day. There weren’t too many tourists around yet, so I got a chance to really sit and study the fountain. It was then that I truly realized how symbolic the fountain was of a continually thriving and fresh place. I believe that this speaks well of the whole Piazza di Spagna; there is so much ancient beauty captured in that one small area of Rome. It has been around for thousands of years, yet we marvel as if it is a newfound beauty to this day.

Temple of Julius Caesar

1) The second object that really stuck out to me was the Temple of Julius Caesar.

2) The temple is located within the Forum, along the Via Sacra.

3) The temple was about 98 ft long and 85 ft wide and was made of marble.

4) Historical

Julius Caesar was a politician and leader in Rome that gained popularity and support through his various victories during a time of political turmoil. He was very ambitious, and while many praised him, there were still others that feared his power would turn into dictatorship, and he was assassinated in the forum (Blue Guide pg 75). I believe that these events influenced the artist Augustus to build Caesar’s temple where he did. The intention and location, along with the time period, all greatly affected the design of Julius Caesar’s temple.

The temple was built in the middle of the Forum, which clearly indicates the importance of Caesar. It was one of the important buildings along the Sacra Via, or Sacred Way. The location in turn has a large effect on what the temple looked like. It was made of marble and built with columns in an Italian style. This is very reflective of the time, as all of the buildings were built with marble coverings at that time. To this day you can still see markings left on the rough edges of the buildings, such as this temple, where the marble was removed. By understanding the importance of the Forum, it makes it clear that Caesar’s Temple was built with specific design and location. Augustus wanted to honor Caesar in the highest way possible, so he built a magnificent temple to honor Caesar. He even decorated it with war ships from Caesar’s triumphs (http://sights.seindal.dk/sight/171_Temple_of_Caesar.html). Unfortunately, it is hard to imagine today what the temple looked back in that time, because most of it has been destroyed. However, based on the history behind the situation, I believe that it was something very beautiful.

325: Monday, August 16

Monday morning, the 16th of August, we had our first class in Rome. It was our first formal meeting as a group in a new country with completely new surroundings. At that point, with the Colosseum at the top of the list for site visits, and I had no idea what exactly to expect of Rome. It is easy to get a picture in your mind from discussions and photos in textbooks, but nothing really prepares you for what real life holds. From the moment we stepped into Italy, I think that my perspective started to change. And as we slowly became familiar with more places in this country, my expectations for what the first day visit into Rome would hold continually changed.

I have always thought of the ancient structures in Rome to be beautiful artwork, which they truly are. Millions of people travel thousands of miles in order to see the spectacular work that people created in history. It boggles our minds to try and understand how they successfully completed such complicated structures and paintings with the resources that were available. I have always had an ambition to see such beauty in person, in order to truly capture how ancient and magnificent structures such as the Colosseum are. However, in the past I had never considered much beyond the physical appearance of ancient art and architecture. Until Monday morning, I spent most of time trying to imagine what things like the Colosseum physically look like.

We began our class on Monday morning by discussing the books that we will be assigned to read during the semester, and tying them into our visits. I specifically remember our conversation about the book The Italians. In the forward, the author explained the tedious task that a painter faced when attempting to paint his mother. The author expressed the huge thought process that was in the painter’s mind before he began. For example, author Luigi Barzini says, “The Mother, in this case, is notoriously distinguished… I was determined to the most honest job of portraiture I possibly could.” This really made me start to think about the purpose behind an artist. They have a specific goal in mind when creating a new masterpiece, which takes great amounts of contemplation before the artwork is even started. I cannot imagine the amount of concentration and planning that come into a piece of art, whether in the form of a painting, sculpture, building, or any other way.

Thinking about art in this way made me look at the Colosseum in a whole new way. For example, I realized that there was so much more to the building then the ancient ruins we see today. It is not something that was created for people to look at later in life; the Colosseum was built for very specific purposes that I had never thought too deeply about before. It was a place of entertainment, where thousands of people flocked in order to experience athletic events that we cannot even imagine today.

Thinking about all these new ideas during the morning class helped me to go into the day’s visit with a whole new perspective. I didn’t look at the Colosseum as something that people just come to look at and marvel at the fact that the building is still standing. I found myself trying as hard as possible to picture the building as it was years and years ago. I tried to see the purpose that the Colosseum was built for. Looking with this new perspective helped me appreciate the trip to the Colosseum even more than I had expected, and leaves me curious to discover more.