History

  WEEPING WOMEN (DETAIL OF A CRUCIFIX, DATING FROM THE EARLY XIII CENTURY) – CITY MUSEUM, PISA   The mantel draped over the head is a sign of advanced age or mourning. Sumptuary laws regulate demonstrations of grief and limit the number of persons which can carry the coffin and …

    MARTYRDOM AND DEATH OF ST. CATERINA D’ALESSANDRIA – PAINTING DATABLE BACK TO THE 13th CENTURY– MUSEO CIVICO, PISA   The luxury which began to spread in the 13th century, beyond the circle of kings and magnates, is witnessed by the silky cape of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, woven in …

  THE VIRGIN– 13th CENTURY MOSAIC– BASILICA DI SAN MARCO, VENICE   The frontal image of the standing Virgin allows you to admire the majestic grace of the hooded cape embroidered with gold stars, draped on the shoulders and embellished at the edges with knotted golden fringe; the wide tunic …

    MAESTRO DEL BIGALLO – MIRACLE FOR THE DEMON POSSESSED MAN (PART OF THE ST. ZENOBI FIGURE, FROM 13th CENTURY) – MUSEO DELL’OPERA DEL DUOMO, FLORENCE   In its soft linearity, the clothing of the second half of the 13th century obtains simple results yet perfect elegance. The long …

  MASTER OF THE MAGDALENE – DETAIL OF THE ANNUNCIATION – SECOND HALF OF THE XIII CENTURY – MUSEE DES ARTS DECORATIFS, PARIS   Lovely silk cloths, embroidered or woven with ornamental motifs, enrich the female gowns which appear very sober in their long-limbed garb. However, the monocolor mantel worn …