History

  MINIATURE OF THE BIBLE MANUSCRIPT IV 74, FROM THE XIII CENTURY – APOSTOLIC VATICAN LIBRARY The thirteenth-century elegance is revealed not only in the line which gracefully traces the bust, but also in the variety of cloths: to the left a striped linen, most likely woven by the Umiliati …

  TWO DETAILS OF THE STORIES OF JESUS CHRIST – MOSAIC DATING TO THE XII CENTURY – BAPTISTERY, FLORENCE   The mantel raised to cover the head, bestows an air of severe gravitas to the female face; it may also be a sign of mourning.

  MINIATURE OF THE “CODEX JUSTINIANUS”, OF THE XIII CENTURY – AMBROSIAN LIBRARY, MILAN The skill of the miniaturist bestows a shy and slightly clumsy grace to the female figure wearing a mantel and gown whose hair is tied back in her veil. The other female figure has a crown-shaped …

  DISCOVERY OF THE RELIC OF SAINT MARK (DETAIL – MOSAIC DATING BACK TO CIRCA 1270 – BASILICA OF SAINT MARK, VENICE   The wealth of the city of Venice is reflected in the elegance of its women. The white tunics are embellished with golden belts with a long pendant …

  DETAIL OF THE STORIES OF JESUS CHRIST – MOSAIC DATING TO THE XIII CENTURY – BAPTISTERY, FLORENCE   The brilliant whiteness of the veil, which chastely frames the faces of married women, and which even Dante spoke of, emphasizes the grave, almost dream-like expression which is characteristic of feminine …