Anyways, this week was pretty low key. All of my art history classes went on a field trips to gorgeous churches/museums in Florence. In Italian Ren. Art, we went to San Lorenzo, which was built by the Medici family and embedded with much indication about how rich and publicly acceptable they were. We had to cover up our shoulders and knees/thighs when entering the church, and because we are all Americans we were all dressed improperly. They had these graduation-like robes for us to wear, and it was hysterical because we all looked like students from Hogwarts. I love it when I have a Harry Potter moment here. Also, a lot of symbols that indicated power, such as using red marble (like Imperial Romans), placement of burial, etc. In my Lost Symbols and Secret Codes in Art class, we learned about how astrology is tied with art history here in Florence, and then we took a bus straight to Piazzale Michelangelo, a pretty area south of the river. In that area is a church, San Minato, which is connected to the Baptistery through summer/winter solstices. Each church is a symbol for the two St. John's. The older St. John, represented by summer solstice/baptistery, is seen as negative because of the placement of the sun. The younger and more feminine St. John, represented by winter solstice/San Minato, is seen as positive due to his youth, energy, and again the placement of the sun. Apparently, both of these churches align to the stars when these solstices happen. In my Michelangelo class we visited Casa Buonarroti where much of his early works are held. It was incredible. The first half of class we discussed it's importance, and then we just walked on over there and saw it! It's so worthwhile to see a piece of art in person, because photos never do it justice. You notice things that you didn't see before, and you obtain this sort of connection with the piece as your knowledge and skills of analyzing all come together and you can finally experience the piece. Call me nerdy, but I am an art history major and this is what I love! I also got assigned to study the Sistine Chapel for my oral presentation and huge research paper. I plan on going to Rome sometime in October to go see it!
Side note: I am definitely going to have buns of steel when I return home. All this walking around the city and climbing up 2342153523 steps a day is starting to pay off!
This weekend I am going on a school trip to Pompeii, Sorrento, and Capri. I am really excited!
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| San Minato |
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| View of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo |
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| Zodiac representation on floor |
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