On the art Trail. Arezzo: Mary Magdalen and Legend of the True Cross
Arezzo, a city with population of 100,455.
[IMG]
[/IMG]
We are in the last place we will visit, viewing the last two works of Piero that we will see.
Arezzo’s cathedral contains two great works by Piero: “Mary Magdalen” and “Legend of the True Cross.”
Mary Magdalen
[IMG]
[/IMG]
The wonder of this work is its luminosity. We see the light emanating from the left on our side of the arch, reflecting off of the white (satin?) lining of the Magdalen’s mantle and the wonderfully pearlescent cylinder of the alabaster jar she holds. The gold of the saint’s halo and belt has worn off with time and exposure. We learn, also, that there were possibly flecks of gold in her hair. The work almost seems to have been created to embody the very nature of translucence.
Before modern feminism emerged to restore the Magdalen’s reputation, Sir Kenneth Clark wrote “It's a curious fact that the all-male religions have produced no religious imagery--in most cases have positively forbidden it. The great religious art of the world is deeply involved with the female principle."
My friend, a Yale Divinity School graduate, feminist and Episcopal Church deacon wrote this to me about this fresco: “Piero is depicting Magdalen, confusing her with one of the unnamed women in the gospels who is considered a reprobate but whom Jesus does not chastise. In the Gospel, the woman is quite humble, seeks redemption, or maybe redemption is not the right word. Healing, acknowledgment, restoration? And Jesus gives it to her. Yet in this painting, The Magdalen has achieved sainthood, she is elevated and proud. I love the expression on her face--that eyebrow is fabulous. In this portrait I see a woman who dares anyone to question her faith, her purpose, her name.”
Legend of the True Cross
[IMG]
[/IMG]
The Legend of the True Cross was Piero’s attempt to synthesize the Old and the New Testament. He understands the importance of the use of perspective in historical pictorial representation and an awareness of time in history.
This series of scenes, painted probably between 1447 and 1466, tells the story of the origins of the wood which was used to build the cross on which Christ was crucified. The scenes “work” when seen in context of the entire cycle, not taken individually. However complex the story episodes are, there are “moments” we can appreciate in and of themselves.
Herclius and Chrosoes
[IMG]
[/IMG]
Death of Adam
[IMG]
[/IMG]
detail of the Recognition of the True Cross --the foreshadowing of Cezanne and Cubism?
[IMG]
[/IMG]
I really don’t know what to make of what Piero did here, in this panel “Burial of the Sacred Wood.” Perhaps to remind us that we are but human and therefore subject to accidental embarrassment, or maybe just plain slovenly, even during the most solemn events. Go figure...
[IMG]
[/IMG]
We learn that it was here in this very church in 1965 that Dante Alighieri was finally exonerated of the charge of simony. He was convicted in 1307. It certainly took long enough...
I am leaving Tuscany tomorrow for the long return home. As I walk in this afternoon in Arezzo, I hear the bells begin behind me. I turn for a last look at them as they swing in the campanile, set against the bright azure sky of an early Tuscan spring...
[IMG]
[/IMG]
= new reply since forum marked as read
Thanks for sharing! I have enjoyed all of the pictures of this great art and scenery that you have posted here. Wish I could've been there too! I know little, compared to some, of the classic art world (painting and such... but music, now that's my area!), however, these gems you have shared have helped me to know more about an artist I can't say I knew anything about. Much appreciated.
I guess I didn't catch how you came by this journey, is it a tour or an impromptu sort of adventure?
Love the images! Thanks again for sharing.
(Folks may be a little delayed in responding as there have been some events to distract... mass shootings, scary weather and the usual bickering about assumptions and speculation regarding these events.)
Ah, more wonderful pictures...
I love reading your posts which are full of great details and so much knowledge. Fascinating stuff.
Thank you!
K&R
