We started the morning at the Dutch art history library. It was really nice--not in a grandiose villa like some of the other libraries we've looked at, but they had a good collection, and they're open to everyone--even without a membership fee! Now if I really feel studious, I suppose I could go back up there to start researching my papers....or I could just wait to start those until I get home.
I at least have a topic for my project (self-portraits) so during our free time for lunch, I went to Santa Trinita, which has a self-portrait. Ghirlandaio painted himself in as a bystander in one of the chapels there.
Then before our next group meeting I had some lunch. I'm a little short on cash at the moment (dad is helping with that) so I had to go somewhere that would take a credit card. It was either that or starve. So instead of the normal panini from a corner shop, I found a cute little trattoria--not completely off the tourist track, I guess since they had an English menu. I am constantly amazed at how good the food is anywhere you go here. Maybe that's just because in Austin the food is bad just about anywhere you go. Anyway, I had a yummy lunch of vegetable risotto. I tried to order some italian orange soda with it, but got orange juice instead. oops. I guess that's healthier though.
Our afternoon tour today was of Santa Maria Novella. I already went to this church on my own, since it wasn't on the class schedule originally. But it was still good to go back and hear what the professor had to say. It also has a self-portrait in it of Ghirlandaio which I can use for my project. Can you spot him?
Then, I braved
the crowds and went to look at the statues in Piazza della Signoria.Finally, I went to another church. This one also has a self-portrait in it. (I was so productive today!) This one is by Pontormo. I found the painting but I haven't actually figured out which one he is. I guess I'll have to do that somehow before I write my paper.
This church doesn't really get many tourists, so instead of leaving the lights on, when you go in if you want a good look at the painting you have to put a Euro in a little machine, and then the lights will come on for you. (I paid my Euro and then some other tourists right behind me got a free look at the painting. Cheapskates. )
2 comments:
that medusa scupture is really cool.
Ghirlandaio is the lecher at the top of the stairs molesting that poor woman.
The sculptures are totally impressive.
The risotto looks delicious even from the picture. I'll have to look up a recipe. I did get a risotto recipe that the Pope had when he was here. Not too bad. Probably good for my ethical well being as well.
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