My doctor is into modern art. When he found out I was going to Venice, he got excited and said, “You have to go to the Biennale!” I vaguely remember my response. “Oh, the Biennale… oh yeah… in Venice… Oh yes, that’s on our to-do list… up towards the top.” So guess what? We have a free day in Venice, so we’re going to the Biennale! Continue reading “The Biennale d’Arte di Venezia”
The Doge’s Palace – the Dark Side
We’re in Venice, Italy, touring the Doge’s Palace. We’re having a fine time, ooing and aahing as all good tourists do. We’ve seen some spectacular rooms, but now it’s time to explore the other side of the Doge’s palace – the dark side. Continue reading “The Doge’s Palace – the Dark Side”
A Visit to the Doge’s Palace
We’re in Venice, Italy. Long before there was an “Italy,” there was an independent, powerful Venice. Its elected leader was called the “Doge.” Today we’re going to pay a visit to the Doge’s palace. Continue reading “A Visit to the Doge’s Palace”
Venice – In Between the Canals
When most people think about Venice, it’s probably water, canals, and gondolas that come to mind. But Venice isn’t just canals – it’s what’s in between the canals. Continue reading “Venice – In Between the Canals”
Leonardo, Luca, and the Divine Ratio
We’re in Venice’s great museum, Gallerie dell’Accademia, standing in front of what might be the most famous drawing ever made – Vitruvian Man. What is it that drives the world’s keen interest in Vitruvian Man? It may have something to do with a special number that Leonardo da Vinci and Luca Pacioli called the Divine Ratio. Continue reading “Leonardo, Luca, and the Divine Ratio”
Let’s Meet Vitruvian Man
The time has come to see what’s drawn us to Venice’s Gallerie dell’Accademia. You’ve seen it numerous times. It’s a drawing called “Vitruvian Man.” It’s said to be the most famous drawing in the world. What is it about this simple drawing that makes it so special? Continue reading “Let’s Meet Vitruvian Man”
Inside the Gallerie dell’Accademia – Finally!
OK! We’ve finished our homework, so we’re ready to go inside Venice’s Gallerie dell’Accademia. But before we do, let’s briefly recap Venice’s golden age. Continue reading “Inside the Gallerie dell’Accademia – Finally!”
The Lowly Scribe
Wild times were afoot in 15-century Venice. When we stopped on our pre-museum stroll through Venetian history, Gutenberg’s printing press had just taken off. Venice had become the printing capital of the world. But what about the impact of all this on the scribes of the day? Did anyone ever stop to consider the plight of the lowly scribe? Continue reading “The Lowly Scribe”
15th-Century Venice – Wow!
The Gallerie dell’Accademia di Venezia is a special museum in Venice’s quiet Dorsoduro district. Before going inside, we’re taking a stroll through Venetian history. It’s not your average historical tale. Big changes that would affect us all were in the works in Venice – especially in the 15th century. Continue reading “15th-Century Venice – Wow!”
The Gallerie dell’Accademia di Venezia
The Gallerie dell’Accademia, (the accent on the “mi”), is a museum in Venice’s Dorsoduro district. I hinted last time that there’s something inside that you really ought to see. But if we just barge on in and see it now, we won’t appreciate what we’re seeing. We have to do our homework first. As always! Continue reading “The Gallerie dell’Accademia di Venezia”
