Hum 225- Journal 2

The bust of the Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s Medusa is made up of white marble and is 50 x 41 x 38 centimeters (museicapitolini.org). She is located in one of the many galleries in the Capitoline Museum. This depiction of Medusa is not a common side that most people picture when imagining the great mythical Medusa. Bernini gives Medusa a pained expression that makes her look as if she were about to cry out, yet her beauty remains undiminished. Other works of art that have portrayed Medusa give her an air of triumph and power because of her ability to petrify her victims. However, Bernini has chosen to make the image of Medusa with this expression to offer us another side of this prisoner of fate.


Some may say that Medusa’s expression- that was given to her by Bernini- is a symbol of her misery and grief. However, there are a few interpretations of her face that can be seen as the reason for her sorrow (museicapitolini.org).Medusa’s ability to petrify her victims was said to have been given to her as punishment for having disgraced one of the temples of Minerva. This can be the cause of the distorted face that Medusa has- because she knows of her destructive ability and her incapability to ever truly be close to anyone again. Bernini can pull from his viewers- through his creation of Medusa- a sense of sadness and empathy. Being able to procure this reaction for something that is as destructive as a monstrous creature is truly a deep and powerful ability. For a common mortal to feel the same as a creature that consorted with the gods is a phenomenal ability that Bernini possessed. I believe that Bernini did this as a representation of the common feelings and emotions that all humanity possesses. The symbolism of this work of art shows the idea that in some way we can all empathize with one another at some time in our life.

http://en.museicapitolini.org/museo/restauri/restauro_del_busto_di_medusa_di_gian_lorenzo_bernini

The Via Appia Antica is in itself a work of art. The creation of the Via Appia Antica, one of Rome’s first roads, was said have been around 312 B.C.E. (romefile.com). The original basalt slabs that paved the Ancient Appian Way are still existent – just a little worn away after thousands of years of use. Their resilience and presence is a reminder of their original purpose in the Roman culture. The Via Appia Antica stretches from Rome to Brindisi- connecting the world to Rome.

The Via Appia Antica, created by Appius Claudius, was created as a tool for better transportation and access to the great city of Rome(Blue Guide). Its creation was also a representation of the status of those who lived in Rome- through the way they adorned the grave sites of those that had passed. The citizens of the city took the bodies of their loved ones and buried them along the road. Those with higher statuses and more wealth were able to design the resting places of those they loved more ornately. This gesture not only paid tribute to the dead but also symbolized, to those passing along the Via Appia Antica, the wealth, honor, and splendor of the city they were about to encounter (class discussion). Many of these burial sites are still intact and greeting those traveling into Rome. The Roman reverence for their dead and the passion of self pride is evident through this unique artwork that we tread on daily. It is a reminder of their past history, customs, and religious beliefs that have withstood that test of time.

http://www.romefile.com/sights/via-appia-antica.php

Hum325-2 Rome:Exhilarating or Oppressive?

Each day in Italy brings with it new challenges and unknown adventures. Whether it is making it to our 6:06 train to Villeta or bouncing down the Appian Way -when each day comes to an end I feel like I have accomplished something and I have earned the incredible dinner that we sit down to every night. I can almost compare my experiences, as of right now, to that of being a freed man that was explained, by Danilo, on the Ancient Appian Way. Free men were slaves to a particular family and through hard work and obedience they were able to prove themselves in such a way that they were sometimes able to earn their freedom. Their new found freedom included becoming a citizen of Rome and being completely released from their duties as slaves. Each day, I feel like I too am trying to prove myself to my new friend –Roma. It has proven to be more difficult than I had originally imagined – being both exciting and harsh at times.


The slaves at the time of the Roman Empire were usually foreigners. Their slave system was not based on race-rather it was powered by prisoners of war that were then bartered and sold for a profit. These slaves were then placed under the power of their new owners and were completely at their mercy (PBS). By traveling to Rome – I too am a foreigner- and it seems apparent, from the people we pass, that it can be obvious at times that I am an American and not part of the local crowd. This is what I find to be oppressive at times. It would seem that the stereotype of being American follows us where ever we go- bringing with it the idea that we are ignorant and self absorbed. A train ride into town can bring with it the whispers of the locals- where I can only make out a few words here and there- but the jist it that “yep they’re American,” and then continue on with their conversation that includes many sideways glances.

As the slave’s life continued, their hard work and dedication seemed to prove their worthiness, of freedom, to their masters. After just one week in Rome I feel that I have been trying to prove myself to Rome and its locals- that I can learn more and more about my surroundings. Becoming more attuned to the ways things are done in the city is part of the exhilaration. Moving in step with the rhythm of the city makes my heart beat a little faster, my ears more alert, and eyes more focused. Each time I pass through the city I realize I know where I am faster and I am more confident in my abilities to get where I need to be. This can be compared to the work of the slaves. Although, my life does not include nearly as cruel treatment, I feel that I can understand the striving of the slave to become free- free of living under someone else thoughts and choices. I strive to break free from the oppressive clamor of the streets as I become more accustom to their ways and from the oppression of being thought of as ignorant.

Through the last week I have come to realize that one of the other crueler aspects of being a traveler-as I am sure it was for the slaves- is the way people take advantage of you. Buying tickets at the kiosk in Termini was an experience. Observing a lone traveler try and understand the ticket kiosk and then being approached by shady characters –that are overly pushing- was definitely unnerving. However, the successful trip that followed soon made up for that experience.

I still have awhile to go before Rome is likely to accept me as one of its own- but as I journey on for the next seven weeks I hope to prove myself. Even though every day brings with it the thrill of the unknown, along with the weariness of always being cautious, I still enjoy the little moments that Rome has to offer.



http://www.pbs.org/empires/romans/empire/slaves_freemen.html

HUM 225 August 19th Experiencing art and culture as we get lost in the Piazza di Spagna

Historic Essay


Walking in to the Piazza del Popolo the Santa Maria del Popolo, translated to St. Mary of the People, is not one of the very first things that you see. The exterior of the basilica is not as ornate as other buildings or monuments surrounding it. Yet, its style has a simple feeling that invites you in to take refuge from the sun. Stepping foot into the basilica immediately causes your eyes to adjust because of the dim lighting that illuminates the entire place.

The Basilica was originally a chapel created in 1099 and rebuilt in the 15th century- as it stands now it is made up of travertine stone. The Santa Maria del Popolo was originally created to displace a simple walnut tree. You may wondering what the purpose of that would be? The people of the town surrounding that particular walnut tree believed it to be the house of the evil spirit of Nero-who was said to be buried beneath it. As a way to settle the minds of the inhabitants and restore peace- the tree was ordered to be cut down and burned. In its place the basilica was constructed and consecrated – exorcising the spirit of Nero.

The simple structure of the basilica itself does not do justice to the exquisitely decorated interior. The entire basilica is covered in frescos, mosaics, sculptures and other art forms. It is even the resting place for many prominent members of society-such as Giovanni Battista Gisleni. Their tombs are encased in the walls as well as the floors- giving the dim basilica an even more mysterious and spiritual feeling.


http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/522989/Santa-Maria-del-Popolo

http://www.reidsguides.com/italy/destinations/lazio/rome/sights/sm_popolo.html



The second piece that I would like to focus on would be the Fontana del Tritone that we happened upon by mere chance. As we were making our very detoured way back to the metro we passed this beautiful structure. It is located in the Piazza Barberini and was created by Bernini in 1642.

Barberini constructed this fountain from travertine in the Baroque style –(that would go on to set his style for future fountains). He was originally commissioned to build the fountain by Pope Urban the VIII as a reminder of the constant water supply that was available because of the Roman aqueducts. This structure was an advertisement of both beauty and grace along with practicality. The Pope needed a way in which the people could get the water and at the same time appeal to the very nature of the Roman culture.

The fountain depicts Triton being held up by four dolphins as he raises a conch shell. The fountain portrays a more villa style fountain- that being a free standing fountain to a more urban setting – where it now rests. This fountain was not like the others found at this time that were more basic and basin like.


Looking back on these two particular “art pieces” it can be said that their construction was used to meet the needs of the people at the time as well as meet the needs of the Pope and officials of the time. Today they both provide a rest for the weary traveler and drink to continue on as they make their way through Rome.


http://www.wga.hu/frames-e.html?/html/b/bernini/gianlore/sculptur/1630/triton.html

Hum 325 Stories and Traditions: Buongiorno Roma, mi chiamo Rebeka

    Today I was introduced to two of Rome’s most famous inhabitants: The Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Meeting this pair was like meeting a celebrity for the very first time-it’s like you hold your breath and you can’t believe just how close you are to them or you are lost for words because you don’t want to ruin your first impression and leave them thinking that you were a waste of their precious time. Their façade and beautiful stature make them incredibly intimidating and yet they seem to be holding within a secret that is as wise as the time that has passed them. Passing through these two sites you feel as if you are intruding on someone else’s home and that you should not really be let alone with the swarm of people. Yet, these two monuments have been left behind for us on purpose so that we can remember- instead of having to relive the mistakes of the past. This is where their secret -that they hold so close -begins to unravel.


    The experience of walking within the hearts of these two ancient ruins is like sitting down with two old men of Rome. They have seen it all –having had experienced many trials and tribulations- along with the glory days that were full of ecstasy and excitement. The stories they have to tell can lend a hand to us as we make our journey through our own lives – so that we may not fall as hard when making mistakes because we have learned from their errors. At first I was overwhelmed by the awe and beauty before me – the glory days that were full of adventure and mystery. The impact of the how enormous the Colosseum stretches to the sky and how vast the Forum is leaves you with a sense of astonishment. How could all of this have been accomplished and maintained for so long. Yet the stories behind these two ancients ruins leaves you almost saddened and in disbelief. How could people have wanted death and torture as entertainment –as the way to escape everyday life? How could the slaughter of slaves been acceptable? Where was the line between human beings as citizens of Rome and those people labeled as not worthy to live? How could the vestal virgins be punished for not being able to maintain their fire when they had the elements against them? Why would the Visigoths try to cut down the beautiful pillars of the temple? This is where the glory days become the gory days and you can never quite look at the ancients ruins in the same way.

      The Colosseum has a lot to tell us- he is saying ---“Yes, I am magnificent and strong and have impacted many as they travelled by-yet -do not forget the havoc, pain, and destruction that I have had dwell within me. As time has passed do not forget the once white façade I used to revel in. The marble that has been stripped away from me has left its mark behind -like a soldier being stripped of his medals and honor. The people that have carried out these events and others like them have caused the true ruins. They have cut down others –those that were fashioned in the same image-and for what reason? You may not see it now but the blood shed upon these floors still haunt me and the memory of those lost people are part of the ruin that maintains my character. Those that had once passed through these arches no longer exist- but I carry the memory of them with me so that I can tell you of their story of their joys and suffering- so that you can make your own choices and come to better understand what life was like in another time.”

        Just as in meeting any celebrity we must remember that they too have their shares of ups and downs. As it says in The Smiles of Rome, “the Eternal City is the place to begin an investigation into the feelings of pleasure and fear which ruins suggest,” we can come to terms with what we see sprawled before us. We may not immediately know how to respond to what we encounter but we must be willing to be open to all sides of what it has to offer. Then as we can begin to see clearly from the haze of amazement we can come to appreciate the ruins and history before us(regardless of why we are here in Italy) and use that in our own stories that we will leave behind – the story that someone else will find and make a part of them.