We’re in Venice, Italy. Long before there was an “Italy,” there was an independent, powerful Venice. Its elected leader was called the “Doge.” Today we’re going to pay a visit to the Doge’s palace. Continue reading “A Visit to the Doge’s Palace”
Venice – In Between the Canals
When most people think about Venice, it’s probably water, canals, and gondolas that come to mind. But Venice isn’t just canals – it’s what’s in between the canals. Continue reading “Venice – In Between the Canals”
Leonardo, Luca, and the Divine Ratio
We’re in Venice’s great museum, Gallerie dell’Accademia, standing in front of what might be the most famous drawing ever made – Vitruvian Man. What is it that drives the world’s keen interest in Vitruvian Man? It may have something to do with a special number that Leonardo da Vinci and Luca Pacioli called the Divine Ratio. Continue reading “Leonardo, Luca, and the Divine Ratio”
Let’s Meet Vitruvian Man
The time has come to see what’s drawn us to Venice’s Gallerie dell’Accademia. You’ve seen it numerous times. It’s a drawing called “Vitruvian Man.” It’s said to be the most famous drawing in the world. What is it about this simple drawing that makes it so special? Continue reading “Let’s Meet Vitruvian Man”
Inside the Gallerie dell’Accademia – Finally!
OK! We’ve finished our homework, so we’re ready to go inside Venice’s Gallerie dell’Accademia. But before we do, let’s briefly recap Venice’s golden age. Continue reading “Inside the Gallerie dell’Accademia – Finally!”
The Lowly Scribe
Wild times were afoot in 15-century Venice. When we stopped on our pre-museum stroll through Venetian history, Gutenberg’s printing press had just taken off. Venice had become the printing capital of the world. But what about the impact of all this on the scribes of the day? Did anyone ever stop to consider the plight of the lowly scribe? Continue reading “The Lowly Scribe”
15th-Century Venice – Wow!
The Gallerie dell’Accademia di Venezia is a special museum in Venice’s quiet Dorsoduro district. Before going inside, we’re taking a stroll through Venetian history. It’s not your average historical tale. Big changes that would affect us all were in the works in Venice – especially in the 15th century. Continue reading “15th-Century Venice – Wow!”
The Gallerie dell’Accademia di Venezia
The Gallerie dell’Accademia, (the accent on the “mi”), is a museum in Venice’s Dorsoduro district. I hinted last time that there’s something inside that you really ought to see. But if we just barge on in and see it now, we won’t appreciate what we’re seeing. We have to do our homework first. As always! Continue reading “The Gallerie dell’Accademia di Venezia”
Lost in the Dorsoduro
A map of Venice looks like a picture of a fish. The Grand Canal winds its way through the middle of the fish. The lower part of the fish is the Dorsoduro district. It’s off the beaten path for most tourists, but it’s a great district to stay in or visit. And even though it’s not a large area, it’s an easy place to get lost. I proved it! Continue reading “Lost in the Dorsoduro”
Marco Polo and the Great Kublai Khan
This morning we’re going to take a walk to see the Rialto bridge. The bridge that exists today was built of stone in 1590. The original Rialto bridge was a wooden structure built in the 12th century, shortly after the Crusaders returned from Constantinople. Someone we’ve all heard of probably walked across the Rialto bridge right about that time. His name was Marco Polo. Continue reading “Marco Polo and the Great Kublai Khan”
