Enrico Caruso Opera Born: 25 February 1873, Naples, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 2 August 1921, Naples, Italy
Caruso was an operatic first lyric tenor and dramatic tenor. To great acclaim, he sang at the major opera houses of Europe and America in a variety of roles from the Italian and French repertoires. Caruso was one of the first major singing talents to being commercially recorded and made 247 recordings from 1902-1920 making him an internationally popular star in the world of entertainment
Maximilian II, His Wife, and Three Children by Giuseppe Arcimboldo
Maximilian II, His Wife, and Three Children 1563 Mannerism
After Arcimboldo was appointed to the Habsburg Court he painted a port Maximilian II with his wife and children. It is an important work in Arcimboldo’s oeuvre as it illustrates the intermediate phase in the artist’s transition to the full Mannerist style.
Giuseppe Arcimboldo 1527-1593
Giuseppe Arcimboldo Mannerism Born: 1527, Milan, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 11 July 1593, Milan, Italy
Arcimboldo was a painter best known for creating imaginative portrait heads made from objects such as fruit, vegetables, fish, books, and flowers. However, he was also a conventional painter of portraits, including three Holy Roman Emperors, religious subjects, and exotic animals. Arcimboldo’s still-life portraits were intended as curiosities, whimsical in nature produced to amuse the court.
Hercules and Lichas 1795-1815 Sculpture Marble Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna, Rome, Italy
“Hercules and Lichas” was a sculpture that was developed over an extended period due to its size – it stands at just under eleven feet tall – and the turbulent times in which it was made. Commissioned by Onorrato Gaetani, a Neapolitan nobleman, from Canova, Gaetani also proposed the subject be drawn from Greek mythology. Hercules sent his herald Lichas to fetch him a cloak. His wife had dipped it in a magical fluid with the intent of keeping Hercules faithful. Instead, it poisoned him, and driven mad by anger and pain he flung Lichas into the sea.
Antonio Canova 1757-1822
Antonio Canova Neoclassicism, Romanticism Born: 1 November 1757, Veneto, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 13 October 1822, Venice, Italy
Canova was a Neoclassical sculptor, particularly known for his marble sculptures. His sculpture was inspired by the Baroque and the classical revival; however, he avoided the melodramatics of Baroque and the cold artificiality of the Classical revival
Four Seasons 1563-73 Mannerism Oil on canvas Louvre Museum, Paris, France
A series of four paintings “Four Seasons” is probably Arcimboldo’s most famous work. It is the epitome of the Mannerist style emphasising the close relationship between humanity and nature. Each portrait is representative of one of the seasons and is made up of objects that are characteristic of that time of year. Only Winter and Summer survive from the original series, however, Arcimboldo’s patron, Emperor Maximilian II, commissioned a second set in 1573 as a gift and it is that second set that remains intact
Giuseppe Arcimboldo 1527-1593
Giuseppe Arcimboldo Mannerism Born: 1527, Milan, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 11 July 1593, Milan, Italy
Arcimboldo was a painter best known for creating imaginative portrait heads made from objects such as fruit, vegetables, fish, books, and flowers. However, he was also a conventional painter of portraits, including three Holy Roman Emperors, religious subjects, and exotic animals. Arcimboldo’s still-life portraits were intended as curiosities, whimsical in nature produced to amuse the court.
Flora 1589 Mannerism Oil on board Private Collection
“Flora” is a portrait of the Roman Goddess of flowering plants, fruit, and spring. Typically for Arcimboldo, she is composed of whole flowers, buds, petals, leaves, and stems. However, it stands out from its predecessors due to the artist’s subtlety and delicacy of technique, adhering more to traditional understandings of beauty rather than the grotesque.
Giuseppe Arcimboldo 1527-1593
Giuseppe Arcimboldo Mannerism Born: 1527, Milan, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 11 July 1593, Milan, Italy
Arcimboldo was a painter best known for creating imaginative portrait heads made from objects such as fruit, vegetables, fish, books, and flowers. However, he was also a conventional painter of portraits, including three Holy Roman Emperors, religious subjects, and exotic animals. Arcimboldo’s still-life portraits were intended as curiosities, whimsical in nature produced to amuse the court.
Elisabeth of Valois 1561-65 Portraiture Oil on canvas Museo Nacional del Prado, Spain
“Elisabeth of Valois” is a large-scale painting in which Anguissola captured the image of the newly married Queen of Spain, dressed in swaths of expensive black cloth and bejeweled with pearls and rubies from neck to hem. A wealthy Renaissance queen the numerous pearls symbolize wealth and fertility, the latter rather unfortunate as it was her fourth pregnancy and second miscarriage that ended the queen’s short life.
Sofonisba Anguissola Mannerism, Baroque Born: 1532, Cremona, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 16 November 1625, Palermo, Sicily, Italy
Sofonisba Anguissola 1532-1625
Anguissola was a Renaissance painter, born to a poor but noble family. She received a well-rounded education including the fine arts and her apprenticeship with local painters of the time set a precedent for women to be accepted as students of art
Daedalus and Icarus 1777-79 Neoclassicism Marble Museo Correr, Venice, Italy
Canova drew from a story told by the Greek poet Ovid in “Metamorphoses,” depicting the inventor and architect Daedalus and his son Icarus. Daedalus created the Labyrinth imprisoning King Minos of Crete’s stepson, the Minotaur, half man half bull. Daedalus helped Theseus slay the Minotaur and afterward was trapped in the Labyrinth with Icarus by King Minos. To make their escape Daedalus crafted wings made of wax and feathers and the two successfully flew off the island. Icarus, despite his father’s warnings, flew too close to the sun and the wax melted and he fell into the sea and drowned. Canova portrays Daedalus fixing the wings on his son’s shoulders.
Antonio Canova 1757-1822
Antonio Canova Neoclassicism, Romanticism Born: 1 November 1757, Veneto, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 13 October 1822, Venice, Italy
Canova was a Neoclassical sculptor, particularly known for his marble sculptures. His sculpture was inspired by the Baroque and the classical revival; however, he avoided the melodramatics of Baroque and the cold artificiality of the classical revival
Chelsea from the Thames at Battersea Reach, London by Canaletto
Chelsea from the Thames at Battersea Reach, London 1751 Capriccio Oil on canvas The Lothian Collection (National Trust), Blickling Hall, England
The River Thames dominates “Chelsea from the Thames at Battersea Reach, London.” From the swath of land in the foreground two boats are being pushed into the river whilst in the background is the view of Chelsea buildings. Canaletto’s approach to English landscape helped his reputation grow in Northern Europe with the River Thames a frequent subject. It shows Canaletto’s characteristic command of perspective, attention to detail and realism.
Canaletto 1697-1768
Canaletto Baroque, Rococo Born: 28 October 1697, Venice, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 19 April 1768, Venice, Italy
Canaletto was a painter from the Republic of Venice and is considered an important member of the Venetian School of the 18th century. He was a painter of veduta of Venice, Rome, and London as well as imaginary (capricci) views. He was highly successful in England due to the patronage of Joseph “Consul” Smith, a British merchant and connoisseur
Luigi Boccherini Classical Born: 19 February 1743, Lucca, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 28 May 1805, Madrid, Spain
Luigi Boccherini 1743-1805
Boccherini was a composer and cellist of the Classical era. Even though he matured apart from the major European musical centres his music retained a courtly and galante style. He is best known for a minuet from his String Quartet No.5 in E and the Cello Concerto in B flat major. Boccherini’s oeuvre also includes several guitar quintets
Pietro Mascagni Opera Born: 7 December 1863, Livorno, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 2 August 1945, Rome, Italy
Pietro Mascagni 1863-1945
Mascagni was a composer best known for his operas. In 1890 his opera “Cavalleria” caused on of the greatest sensations in operatic history and ushered in the Verismo movement in Italian dramatic music. Despite claims that Mascagni was a one-opera wonder “L’Amico Fritz” and “Iris” have also remained in the European repertoire since their premieres. Mascagni composed fifteen operas, an operetta, and several orchestral works. He enjoyed great success in his lifetime as a composer and a conductor
Enrico Caruso Opera Born: 25 February 1873, Naples, Italy Nationality: Italian Dies: 2 August 1921, Naples, Italy
Enrico Caruso 1873-1921
Caruso was an operatic first lyric tenor and dramatic tenor. To great acclaim, he sang at the major opera houses of Europe and America in a variety of roles from the Italian and French repertoires. Caruso was one of the first major singing talents to be commercially recorded and made 247 recordings from 1902-1920 making him an internationally popular star in the world of entertainment
Veduta ideata with Roman Ruins 1720-21 Baroque, Rococo Oil on canvas Private Collection
“Veduta ideate with Roman Ruins” portrays ancient Roman monuments in various states of decay. In the background, along the Tiber River additional architecture is visible including Trajan’s Column and a faint dome of the Castel Sant’Angelo. It is an early piece of Canaletto turning towards dramatic landscapes after giving up theatrical sceneries.
Canaletto 1697-1768
Canaletto Baroque, Rococo Born: 28 October 1697, Venice, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 19 April 1768, Venice, Italy
Canaletto was a painter from the Republic of Venice and is considered an important member of the Venetian School of the 18th century. He was a painter of veduta of Venice, Rome, and London as well as imaginary (capriccio) views. He was highly successful in England due to the patronage of Joseph “Consul” Smith, a British merchant and connoisseur
In a dark studio Campi looms out of the shadows to make eye contact with the viewer as he paints a portrait of his elaborately dressed student, Anguissola. This may be the first time Anguissola is the subject of her own work so portrays herself as fashionable and jovial instead of the usually stoic and contemplative artist portrait.
Sofonisba Anguissola Mannerism, Baroque Born: 1532, Cremona, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 16 November 1625, Palermo, Sicily, Italy
Sofonisba Anguissola 1532-1625
Anguissola was a Renaissance painter, born to a poor but noble family. She received a well-rounded education including the fine arts and her apprenticeship with local painters of the time set a precedent for women to be accepted as students of art
Enrico Caruso Opera Born: 25 February 1873, Naples, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 2 August 1921, Naples, Italy
Enrico Caruso 1873-1921
Caruso was an operatic first lyric tenor and dramatic tenor. To great acclaim, he sang at the major opera houses of Europe and America in a variety of roles from the Italian and French repertoires. Caruso was one of the first major singing talents to be commercially recorded and made 247 recordings from 1902-1920 making him an internationally popular star in the world of entertainment.
Warwick Castle: The East Front 1752 Baroque, Rococo Pen and brown ink with grey wash Collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA
Canaletto’s drawing of Warwick Castle features a pastoral landscape and the iconic medieval castle. Canaletto became interested in the castle after leaving the confines of London to venture into the English countryside. His drawings were additions to the five paintings of the castle Canaletto created and reflected the growing market for works produced in real-time instead of a studio.
Canaletto 1697-1768
Canaletto Baroque, Rococo Born: 28 October 1697, Venice, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 19 April 1768, Venice, Italy
Canaletto was a painter from the Republic of Venice and is considered an important member of the Venetian School of the 18th century. He was a painter of vedutas of Venice, Rome, and London as well as imaginary (capriccio) views. He was highly successful in England due to the patronage of Joseph “Consul” Smith, a British merchant and connoisseur
Vertumnus 1590-91 Mannerism Oil on panel Skokloster Castle, Sweden
“Vertumnus” is portrait of the Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II, depicted by Arcimboldo as the Roman god of the seasons, growth, gardens, fruit trees, and metamorphosis in nature. Typical of Arcimboldo’s portraits the composition of a human subject using natural forms is symbolic of the harmony between the rule of the Emperor and the rule of nature. The abundance of produce represents the return of the Golden Age under Rudolf II
Giuseppe Arcimboldo 1527-1593
Giuseppe Arcimboldo Mannerism Born: 1527, Milan, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 11 July 1593, Milan, Italy
Arcimboldo was a painter best known for creating imaginative portrait heads made from objects such as fruit, vegetables, fish, books, and flowers. However, he was also a conventional painter of portraits, including three Holy Roman Emperors, religious subjects, and exotic animals. Arcimboldo’s still-life portraits were intended as curiosities, whimsical in nature produced to amuse the court
Vegetables In A Bowl Or The Gardener by Giuseppe Arcimboldo
Vegetables In a Bowl or The Gardener 1587-90 Mannerism Oil on wood Museo Civico “Ala Ponzone”, Cremona, Italy
“Vegetables in a Bowl or the Gardener” is one of several paintings by Arcimboldo that can be viewed in reverse, revealing a still-life in one perspective and a portrait in the other. X-ray evidence shows that the painting process often required Arcimboldo to repaint and change the positions of some of the objects.
Giuseppe Arcimboldo 1527-1593
Giuseppe Arcimboldo Mannerism Born: 1527, Milan, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 11 July 1593, Milan, Italy
Arcimboldo was a painter best known for creating imaginative portrait heads made from objects such as fruit, vegetables, fish, books, and flowers. However, he was also a conventional painter of portraits, including three Holy Roman Emperors, religious subjects, and exotic animals. Arcimboldo’s still-life portraits were intended as curiosities, whimsical in nature produced to amuse the court
The Virgin and Child with St. Anne and St. John the Baptist
The Virgin and Child with St. Anne and St. John the Baptist 1499-1500 High Renaissance Charcoal and chalk drawing on paper The National Gallery, London, UK
A preliminary drawing, “The Virgin and Child with St, Anne and St, John the Baptist” depicts the Virgin seated next to her mother while holding her child, the child John is looking on. Mary’s eyes are watching her child who is pointing skyward as he delivers a benediction. A large piece, consisting of eight papers glued together is believed to be a sketch in planning for a painting. However, the painting was either never created or no longer exists.
Leonardo Da Vinci 1452-1519
Leonardo Da Vinci High Renaissance Born: 15 April 1452, Anchiano, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 2 May 1519, Clos Lucé, Amboise
The spirit of Humanism abounded during the Italian High Renaissance and artists were deeply entrenched in the study of humanities to better themselves as people of the world. Termed a Renaissance Man a person so immersed in the comprehension and accomplishment of such varied interests; Da Vinci was a prime exemplar. His exhaustive interests led to his mastery of multiple skills, and he is widely considered one of the greatest painters of all time
Pilastri reggenti statue equestri by Antonio Sant’Elia
Pilastri reggenti statue equestri 1913 Futurism
Sant’Elia moved away from Secessionist styles in 1913. Whilst working in Milan he witnessed new innovations in building materials and techniques, urban planning, and industry and planned on taking these ideas and expanding them to develop a completely unique vision of modernity in designs such as La Citta Nuovo. “Pilastri Reggenti Statue Equestri” portrays part of the journey in Sant’Elia’s work showing the simplification of structural elements and the removal of unnecessary decorative motifs.
Antonio Sant’Elia Futurism Born: 30 April 1888, Lombardy, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 10 October 1916, Gorizia, Italy
Antonio Sant’Elia 1888-1916
Sant’Elia was an architect and a key member of the Futurist movement in architecture. However, as he left behind uncompleted works of architecture he is remembered for his bold sketches and influence on modern architecture
Self Portrait 1435 Bronze Relief Bronze Collection of National Gallery of Art, Washington DC, USA
Alberti’s impact on the art world was recognised in his lifetime, he memorialised his own image before he reached the pinnacle of his fame. “Self Portrait” is a modest-sized medallion measuring approximately seven by five inches. It is, however, an important first in Alberti’s oeuvre. The oval relief acknowledges the legacy of classical culture in its resemblance to a cameo. Alberti is remembered for many things, especially his writings and building designs, “Self Portrait” is a piece that proves his skill as an artist and his admiration of antiquity.
Leon Battista Alberti 1404-1472
Leon Battista Alberti Early Renaissance Born: 14 February 1404, Genoa, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 25 April 1472, Rome, Italy
Alberti was a humanist author, architect, artist, poet, linguist, philosopher, priest, and cryptographer. He exemplified the nature of the polymath and is considered the founder of Western cryptography
“Tempio Malatestiano” was commissioned by Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta as a mausoleum and declaration of his love for his future wife, Isotta degli Atti. However, Alberti didn’t start the project from scratch, opting to redesign the existing exterior of a 13th-century Gothic church. The new façade featured what would become Alberti’s trademark the Roman arch revival. This was Alberti’s first church design and began his quest to define what Renaissance architecture should be
Leon Battista Alberti 1404-1472
Leon Battista Alberti Early Renaissance Born: 14 February 1404, Genoa, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 25 April 1472, Rome, Italy
Alberti was a humanist author, architect, artist, poet, linguist, philosopher, priest, and cryptographer. He exemplified the nature of the polymath and is considered the founder of Western cryptography
Ruggero Leoncavallo Opera Born: 23 April 1857, Naples, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 9 August 1919, Montecatini Terme, Italy
Ruggero Leoncavallo 1857-1919
Leoncavallo was an opera composer and librettist. He produced numerous operas and other songs throughout his career but is best known for the opera “Pagliacci” which remains one of the most popular and frequently performed works in the opera repertory
Pietro Mascagni Opera Born: 7 December 1863, Livorno, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 2 August 1945, Rome, Italy
Pietro Mascagni 1863-1945
Mascagni was a composer best known for his operas. In 1890 his opera “Cavalleria” caused one of the greatest sensations in operatic history and ushered in the Verismo movement in Italian dramatic music. Despite claims that Mascagni was a one-opera wonder “L’Amico Fritz” and “Iris” have also remained in the European repertoire since their premieres. Mascagni composed fifteen operas, an operetta, and several orchestral works. He enjoyed remarkable success in his lifetime as a composer and a conductor
Santa Maria Novella 1456-70 Architecture Florence, Italy
Detailed and ornate the façade of the Florentine Santa Maria Novella church is a visualization of Alberti’s definition of ecclesiastical design, commissioned for his patron, Giovanni Rucellai, Santa Maria Novella was Alberti’s first major project following the 1452 publication of his treatise on the building. Alberti allowed himself to pay tribute to the great works of antiquity behind the arches and columns by focusing on the ornamental and design elements of the church’s exterior.
Leon Battista Alberti 1404-1472
Leon Battista Alberti Early Renaissance Born: 14 February 1404, Genoa, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 25 April 1472, Rome, Italy
Alberti was a humanist author, architect, artist, poet, linguist, philosopher, priest, and cryptographer. He exemplified the nature of the polymath and is considered the founder of Western cryptography
Ruggero Leoncavallo Opera Born: 23 April 1857, Naples, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 9 August 1919, Montecatini Terme, Italy
Ruggero Leoncavallo 1857-1919
Leoncavallo was an opera composer and librettist. He produced numerous operas and other songs throughout his career but is best known for the opera “Pagliacci” which remains one of the most popular and frequently performed works in the opera repertory
Ruggero Leoncavallo Opera Born: 23 April 1857, Naples, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 9 August 1919, Montecatini Terme, Italy
Ruggero Leoncavallo 1857-1919
Leoncavallo was an opera composer and librettist. He produced numerous operas and other songs throughout his career but is best known for the opera “Pagliacci” which remains one of the most popular and frequently performed works in the opera repertory
Less ornate than his earlier work, Alberti’s design for the façade for the church San Sebastiano displays many of the characteristics of his style such as decorative columns, a structural symmetry, and rounded arches above the doorways that are repeated at the structure’s pediment. While the façade of the church is its most striking feature Alberti’s remaining plans were never implemented. Work on the project slowed over the course of several years and Alberti died before it was finished.
Leon Battista Alberti 1404-1472
Leon Battista Alberti Early Renaissance Born: 14 February 1404, Genoa, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 25 April 1472, Rome, Italy
Alberti was a humanist author, architect, artist, poet, linguist, philosopher, priest, and cryptographer. He exemplified the nature of the polymath and is considered the founder of Western cryptography
Pieta 1575-76 High Renaissance Oil on canvas Gallerie dell’ Accademia, Venice, Italy
One of the last paintings by Titian “Pieta” was created to hang over his grave and depicts the Virgin Mary cradling the dead body of Christ. She is accompanied by Nicodemus and Mary Magdalene. It is believed that Nicodemus is a self-portrait and that Titian is viewing his own imminent death in Christ and touching his body in the hope of eternal salvation. Unfinished at Titian’s death the painting was completed by Palma il Giovane.
“Pieta” is darkly atmospheric, a possible indication of Titian’s fear of death. It is lit by shafts of moonlight and a putto carrying a torch. This allows the artist to use bold chiaroscuro, with the light illuminating the image of a pelican, symbolic of the Passion of Christ and redemption. In the right-hand corner, there is a small picture within the picture of Titian and his son Orazio in prayer, possibly asking to be spared from the plague ravaging Venice at the time and eventually killing both of them. Statues of Sybil and Moses flank the image and seemingly overwhelm the depiction of the mourners and indicate the frailty of life.
Titian 1490-1576
Titian Renaissance, Mannerism Born: 1490, Pieve di Cadore, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 27 August 1576, Venice, Italy
Titian was a painter and regarded as one of the greatest painters of the Renaissance, combining Mannerist and High Renaissance ideas to develop a style that is remarkable ahead of his time. His creativity dominated Venetian art and the city rivaled the artistic centres of Rome and Florence
“Palazzo Rucellai” is a private residence designed by Alberti for his friend and patron Giovanni Rucellai, a renowned merchant. It is composed of three tiers that decrease in height as the gaze moves upwards. Distinguished by his reliance on antiquity for inspiration, Alberti used Roman-inspired columns positioned on either side of doorways and windows. These Roman elements make an intentional reference to the antiquity in Renaissance art and design.
Leon Battista Alberti 1404-1472
Leon Battista Alberti Early Renaissance Born: 14 February 1404, Genoa, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 25 April 1472, Rome, Italy
Alberti was a humanist author, architect, artist, poet, linguist, philosopher, priest, and cryptographer. He exemplified the nature of the polymath and is considered the founder of Western cryptography
Pietro Mascagni Opera Born: 7 December 1863, Livorno, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 2 August 1945, Rome, Italy
Pietro Mascagni 1863-1945
Mascagni was a composer best known for his operas. In 1890 his opera “Cavalleria” caused one of the greatest sensations in operatic history and ushered in the Verismo movement in Italian dramatic music. Despite claims that Mascagni was a one-opera wonder “L’Amico Fritz” and “Iris” have also remained in the European repertoire since their premieres. Mascagni composed fifteen operas, an operetta, and several orchestral works. He enjoyed great success in his lifetime as a composer and conductor
Pietro Mascagni Opera Born: 7 December 1863, Livorno, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 2 August 1945, Rome, Italy
Pietro Mascagni 1863-1945
Mascagni was a composer best known for his operas. In 1890 his opera “Cavalleria” caused one of the greatest sensations in operatic history and ushered in the Verismo movement in Italian dramatic music. Despite claims that Mascagni was a one-opera wonder “L’Amico Fritz” and “Iris” have also remained in the European repertoire since their premieres. Mascagni composed fifteen operas, an operetta, and several orchestral works. He enjoyed great success in his lifetime as a composer and conductor.
Pietro Mascagni Opera Born: 7 December 1863, Livorno, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 2 August 1945, Rome, Italy
Pietro Mascagni 1863-1945
Mascagni was a composer best known for his operas. In 1890 his opera “Cavalleria” caused one of the greatest sensations in operatic history and ushered in the Verismo movement in Italian dramatic music. Despite claims that Mascagni was a one-opera wonder “L’Amico Fritz” and “Iris” have also remained in the European repertoire since their premieres. Mascagni composed fifteen operas, an operetta, and several orchestral works. He enjoyed great success in his lifetime as a composer and a conductor
Luciano Pavarotti Opera Born: 12 October 1935, Modena, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 6 September 2007, Modena, Italy
Luciano Pavarotti 1938-2007
Pavarotti was an operatic tenor who crossed over into popular music late in his career. He became one of the most loved and acclaimed tenors of all time. He gained international fame for the quality of his voice with numerous recordings of complete operas and individual arias, establishing Pavarotti as one of the finest tenors of the 20th century and the reputation of King of the High C’s
Andrea Bocelli Opera Born: 22 September 1958, Lajatico, Italy Nationality: Italian
Andrea Bocelli
Bocelli is an operatic tenor and multi-instrumentalist. Diagnosed with congenital glaucoma at 5 months old he became blind at 12 years old after a soccer accident. Bocelli rose to fame in 1994 winning the preliminary round of the 44th Sanremo Music festival with the highest marks recorded in the newcomers’ section.
I am a huge fan of nonsense and fantasy. Combining the two it really doesn’t get more novelty than that. It also means I don’t have to go back to the so-called novelty songs from my teens, which were quite frankly a crock of shyte.
Released in 1998 by the Italian electronic dance group Eifel 65 “Blue (Da Ba Dee)” reached number 1 in at least 18 countries. Written by lead singer Jeffrey Jey and keyboardist Maurizio Lobina the inspiration for the lyrics was how a person chooses to live their own lifestyle. So for all those like me who don’t conform to what others expect and live life our own way,,,
Yo, listen up here’s a story About a little guy That lives in a blue world And all day and all night And everything he sees is just blue Like him inside and outside
Blue his house With a blue little window And a blue corvette And everything is blue for him And himself and everybody around Cause he ain’t got nobody to listen to
I’m blue Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di I’m blue Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di
I have a blue house With a blue window Blue is the colour of all that I wear Blue are the streets And all the trees are too I have a girlfriend and she is so blue
Blue are the people here That walk around Blue like my corvette its in and outside Blue are the words I say And what I think Blue are the feelings That live inside me
I’m blue Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di I’m blue Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di
I have a blue house With a blue window Blue is the colour of all that I wear Blue are the streets And all the trees are too I have a girlfriend and she is so blue
Blue are the people here That walk around Blue like my corvette, its in and outside Blue are the words I say And what I think Blue are the feelings That live inside me
I’m blue Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di I’m blue Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di Da ba dee da ba di
Andrea Bocelli Opera Born: 22 September 1958, Lajatico, Italy Nationality: Italian
Andrea Bocelli
Bocelli is an operatic tenor and multi-instrumentalist. Diagnosed with congenital glaucoma at 5 months old he became blind at 12 years old after a soccer accident. Bocelli rose to fame in 1994 winning the preliminary round of the 44th Sanremo Music festival with the highest marks recorded in the newcomers’ section.
Luigi Boccherini Classical Born: 19 February 1743, Lucca, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 28 May 1805, Madrid, Spain
Luigi Boccherini
Boccherini was a composer and cellist of the Classical era. Even though he matured apart from the major European musical centres his music retained a courtly and galante style. He is best known for a minuet from his String Quartet No.5 in E and the Cello Concerto in B flat major. Boccherini’s oeuvre also includes several guitar quintets
Nuova Stazione Centrale di Milano by Antonio Sant’Elia
Nuova Stazione Centrale di Milano 1912 Futurism
Sant’Elia collaborated with architect Arrigo Cantoni in a 1912 competition to design the façade of Milan’s New Central Station building. Crowned by a central dome with two smaller domes accentuating the ends of the structure. The majority of the building is lined with rectangular grids of windows and tall pillars and sculptural decoration drawing the eye towards the central dome. Large curved doorways across the design allows for the flow of people entering and exiting the building.
Antonio Sant’Elia
Antonio Sant’Elia Futurism Born: 30 April 1888, Lombardy, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 10 October 1916, Gorizia, Italy
Sant’Elia was an architect and a key member of the Futurist movement in architecture. However, as he left behind uncompleted works of architecture he is remembered for his bold sketches and influence on modern architecture.
Lady with an Ermine 1489-90 High Renaissance Oil on wood panel Czartoryski Museum, Krakow, Poland
Commissioned by the Duke of Milan, Ludovico Sforza, “Lady with an Ermine” depicts the duke’s mistress Cecilia Gallerani. Her gaze to the right seems to have been caught by something just outside the frame. Gallerani is poised in direct opposition to her young age with a coy smile suggesting her self-confidence in her position within the Court, and the undoubted knowledge that her power is her beauty. The paradox of the ermine, symbolic of purity, embraced by a young woman subject to the sensual needs of a much older man is clear, even more so given the very chauvinistic attitudes of the time. In more recent times the portrait has found a cult following in modern society as one of the visual inspirations for Philip Pullman’s concept of daemons in “His Dark Materials” books.
Leonardo Da Vinci
Leonardo Da Vinci High Renaissance Born: 15 April 1452, Anchiano, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 2 May 1519, Clos Lucé, Amboise
The spirit of Humanism abounded during the Italian High Renaissance and artists were deeply entrenched in the study of humanities to better themselves as people of the world. Termed as a Renaissance Man a person so immersed in the comprehension and accomplishment of such varied interests; Da Vinci was a prime exemplar. His exhaustive interests led to his mastery of multiple skills and he is widely considered one of the greatest painters of all time
Andrea Bocelli Opera Born: 22 September 1958, Lajatico, Italy Nationality: Italian
Andrea Bocelli
Bocelli is an operatic tenor and multi-instrumentalist. Diagnosed with congenital glaucoma at 5 months old he became blind at 12 years old after a soccer accident. Bocelli rose to fame in 1994 winning the preliminary round of the 44th Sanremo Music festival with the highest marks recorded in the newcomers’ section
The Venus of Urbino 1538 High Renaissance Oil on canvas The Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy
‘The Venus of Urbino’ comes from a long tradition of Venus representations and was inspired by Giorgione’s Sleeping Venus, however, Titian’s Venus is somewhat more erotic. Her sensuality is enhanced by her gaze, her feint smile, and her seemingly awareness of the viewer. Titian’s Venus is realistic and tempting with the play of light and subtle use of chiaroscuro gives the figure a sculptural quality. ‘The Venus of Urbino’ is considered to be one of the most accomplished examples of the genre.
Titian
Titian Renaissance, Mannerism Born: 1490, Pieve di Cadore, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 27 August 1576, Venice, Italy
Titian was a painter and regarded as one of the greatest painters of the Renaissance, combining Mannerist and High Renaissance ideas to develop a style that is remarkable ahead of his time. His creativity dominated Venetian art and the city rivaled the artistic centres of Rome and Florence
Designed and built as a Holiday home for the industrialist Romeo Longatti, Villa Elisi was the only building designed by Sant’Elia to be completed in his lifetime. Whist small in size the villa features the asymmetrical, geometric designs seen in much of Sant’Elia’s work, including the round stone features that wrap around the front of the building. It is a clear exemplification of the Austrian Succession style and its influence on the architect.
Antonio Sant’Elia
Antonio Sant’Elia Futurism Born: 30 April 1888, Lombardy, Italy Nationality: Italian Died: 10 October 1916, Gorizia, Italy
Sant’Elia was an architect and a key member of the Futurist movement in architecture. However, as he left behind uncompleted works of architecture he is remembered for his bold sketches and influence on modern architecture.
Andrea Bocelli Opera Born: 22 September 1958, Lajatico, Italy Nationality: Italian
Bocelli is an operatic tenor and multi-instrumentalist. Diagnosed with congenital glaucoma at 5 months old he became blind at 12 years old after a soccer accident. Bocelli rose to fame in 1994 winning the preliminary round of the 44th Sanremo Music festival with the highest marks recorded in the newcomers’ section.
Andrea Bocelli Opera Born: 22 September 1958, Lajatico, Italy Nationality: Italian
Bocelli is an operatic tenor and multi-instrumentalist. Diagnosed with congenital glaucoma at 5 months old he became blind at 12 years old after a soccer accident. Bocelli rose to fame in 1994 winning the preliminary round of the 44th Sanremo Music festival with the highest marks recorded in the newcomers’ section.
Andrea Bocelli Opera Born: 22 September 1958, Lajatico, Italy Nationality: Italian
Bocelli is an operatic tenor and multi-instrumentalist. Diagnosed with congenital glaucoma at 5 months old he became blind at 12 years old after a soccer accident. Bocelli rose to fame in 1994 winning the preliminary round of the 44th Sanremo Music festival with the highest marks recorded in the newcomers’ section
Andrea Bocelli Opera Born: 22 September 1958, Lajatico, Italy Nationality: Italian
Bocelli is an operatic tenor and multi-instrumentalist. Diagnosed with congenital glaucoma at 5 months old he became blind at 12 years old after a soccer accident. Bocelli rose to fame in 1994 winning the preliminary round of the 44th Sanremo Music festival with the highest marks recorded in the newcomers’ section
Andrea Bocelli Opera Born: 22 September 1958, Lajatico, Italy Nationality: Italian
Bocelli is an operatic tenor and multi-instrumentalist. Diagnosed with congenital glaucoma at 5 months old he became blind at 12 years old after a soccer accident. Bocelli rose to fame in 1994 winning the preliminary round of the 44th Sanremo Music festival with the highest marks recorded in the newcomers’ section
Jezzie G 