Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
If you find the standard blue robe and red dress next to a haloed
naked baby, the artist or the original owner of the work may have had
a strict interpretation of the Bible and the role of the church. If Jesus
has a Florentine robe, and Mary a stylish belt, then you can guess
that the painter or patron wanted to more directly address the spir-
ituality of contemporary life, and make the teachings more “modern”
and accessible.
2. What are their expressions? Their gestures? The Baby Jesus may
be pointing to the heavens, or to an unfurled banner. A bent thumb
and two small fingers signify the trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy
Ghost, with the first two fingers extended in benediction. Jesus
could be holding an apple, pear, or grape, the seeds symbolizing
rebirth. Mary and child can look at each other with love and caring,
or directly at the viewer with a “God is watching you” type message.
A sad or downcast Mary communicates her awareness that her child
is doomed for crucifixion.
3. And what's this? A pelican? On many crucifixion scenes of the suf-
fering Jesus and the weeping Mary, you'll see what seems to be a ran-
dom sea bird hanging out at the top of the cross. The pelican, in
times of need, will cut its own throat with its beak in order to feed
its children with its blood. This natural symbol parallels Christ allow-
ing his own blood to be spilled to atone for the sins of mankind.
work, possibly painting Fortitude himself (the figure on the cloud on the second
bay of the left wall). At the Collegio della Mercanzia, you'll see very beautiful but
unusual-for-Italy wood-inlaid walls (it's thought that Northern European artisans
were imported in the 15th c. to do the work).
You should also spend some time in Piazza IV Novembre
5
(named for Italy's
National Unity day), a picturesque medieval square built directly atop a Roman
reservoir. In the center of the square is the notable Fontana Maggiore, a massive
fountain designed by a local monk named Bevignate in 1278. Peek through the
protective iron fence to see the carved marble scenes from daily life of the Middle
Ages, plus figures from Aesop's Fables, signs of the zodiac, and even local govern-
ment officials. On the north side of the square, climb the steps to spend a few
minutes touring the Duomo. It's by no means the best in the region, but the dark,
baroque interior provides a striking contrast to the fashionable shops lining Corso
Vanucci outside. The massive Palazzo, on the south side of the square, houses the
National Gallery and the Guild Halls. Built from about 1300 to 1450, this gov-
ernment palace still has some city offices in addition to the museums.
To appreciate the ingenuity of the Etruscans who founded Perugia, climb
down into the Pozzo Etrusco (Etruscan Well)
5 9
. Over 2,200 years ago,
Etruscans dug this 38m-deep (125-ft.), 5.4m-wide (18-ft.) well to provide water
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