We finally decided to visit the Palazzo Ducale in Mantova on our own, after two years of trying to bring guests there. I have been dying to see the iconic “Camera degli Sposi” (the room of the newly married, or bridal chamber). The occasion of our 45th wedding anniversary (8 June) seemed the appropriate moment. The room is famous for the circular ceiling painting by Mantegna, and the paintings on the surrounding walls are equally lovely. On one wall, there is a very good example of a Spinone (Berlino’s breed of dog) sitting beneath a chair; he is almost recognizable AS Berlino. |
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Mantova (Mantua), Mantegna's ceiling fresco, Berlino in the Camera degli Sposi |
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| We walked through the entire palazzo, the homestead wonder of the Gonzaga family, who occupied it from the 1300s to 1700s. The place is enormous (950+ rooms, 350,000 square feet – although it didn’t feel quite THAT large, but who’s measuring?) and especially interesting for the fact it is a true in-CITY palazzo. And it’s not the only thing going on in Mantova – the nearby Palazzo di Te is an equal pleasure (and a perfect Renaissance piece of Architecture). Mozart played in the Teatro Bibiena here, which continues to host musical events. There are boat cruises on the river which surrounds the city: I always know I am in Mantova because I can (pleasantly) smell water when I step out of the car. |
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 | Laughing Sailor from the Old Curiosity Shop Blair Pessemier Acrylic/canvas 490.00 |
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| There is work by artists other than Mantegna, including some great partially finished frescoes by Pisanelli (I love this because you can see HOW frescoes are made). There are gardens of boxwood and flowers, and grassy lawns. While we were there a celebration of the 221st anniversary of the Carbinieri was taking place in one of the courtyards. I think it is so interesting that this place doesn’t sit and languish but continues to be part of the community. There’s nothing more ecological than a place that has remained useful for so many years (700 and counting). Sparsely visited on the 3rd of June, except for very few tour groups, we had many areas completely to ourselves. We did manage to run into someone we dined with once in Stimigliano – Italy is a small world, and people you know are always delighted to connect. |
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 | Along the way: trees Laurie Fox Pessemier Acrylic/paper 8 x 8" 20 x 20cm 90.00 |
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| We drove home after a mediocre lunch – there were a series of restaurants on the square, and we mistakenly sat in the dud (is that why there were so many seats?). It was right next door to the one where Blair had donkey last time. Hee haw. |
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Trying to think Butterfly but feeling like a Bee Laurie Pessemier Acrylic/paper 8.5 x 11" 21 x 29cm 120.00 each. |
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HOUSEKEEPING: We make art to order, include Portraits by Blair Pessemier. Follow us on Instagram @lauriepessemier If you’d like to visit/take a painting workshop: https://www.pessemierworkshops.comSee all of our work at https://paintfox.comMost of our work is available as reproductions, custom sized and framed, within the USA. |
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INVITING All Artists to present their Work: Paint, Literature, Crafts, Food....
Pessemier's Sunday Salon
Weekly on Sunday No Reservation Necessary
How it works: Bring a piece of your ART: that could be visual, like painting or printmaking; or literary, as in poetry or prose; or crafts, like metalwork or knitting; or food, or music. Something you made, or feel particularly inspired by. You have about 5 minutes to present, and we'll ooh, ahh, or answer questions you have. You can also come and see how we work before diving in. Just show up on Zoom at a minute or two before the hour.
No selling, no networking until after everyone has presented. NO POLITICS please. |
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