Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Across the Ocean...

Angel with the Sudarium, Ponte Sant'Angelo, Rome, Italy  © Doug Hickok


From yesterday's natural angel we cross the ocean to a man made angel (young in comparison, a mere 342 years old). Designed by the great Italian artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and sculpted by Cosimo Fancelli in 1669, this stone angel is one of ten on the ancient Roman bridge that spans the Tiber River between Castel Sant'Angelo and the city's historic center. Each angel holds an instrument from the Passion. This one displays the Veil of Veronica, often called the Sudarium, which is said to have the likeness of the face of Jesus imprinted on it from when Veronica wiped the sweat off Christ's face during his struggle toward Calvary. The genius of Bernini can be seen in the complex textures and curving shapes of an angel transformed from stone to art.


15 comments:

  1. Yes, Doug, these are wonders of art! I love Rome:)

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  2. The angels, in Italy, always have an infinite grace. This sculpture is magnificent.

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  3. If she could talk she would say, thanks for catching my good side, Doug. The lighting makes me soooo beautiful. Is she a narcissistic angel? Hmm, hard to say, but how can you not be when your beauty is famous as is your father as is your home? What, this old cloth? Just a little something a threw on.

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  4. What a wonderful two-tone...and love the framing. It's likes she's giving the viewer benediction! :)

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  5. Wonderful Angel statue!
    The photo is very nice, excellent lighting.

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  6. I very much like the contrast of the tree sculpture below and this fine Bernini. Both great shots btw!

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  7. excellent light and colors. well done.

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  8. amazing composition with such a vibrant contrast! really like the shahow on the sculpture too :D

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  9. Can angels do bullfighting?!
    Oh I thought that was a matador? ;p
    Beautiful composition in golden hour!

    I saw Charleston on BBC today!
    Something about the Civil War.
    Were you there?

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  10. Beautiful photograph.Fantastic intensity of colour. Bernini is such a magnificent sculptor.

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  11. It really is beautiful. Powerful too. Nicely done against that blue sky.

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  12. Beautiful--very nice shot and great, informative post too!

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  13. Awesome picture! Congratulations!
    Leia

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  14. practically perfect close up, wonderful

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  15. fine shot Doug, ncie sculpture too

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