Painted pearl unlocks secret of Raphael's love

[On the Road]

MILAN (Reuters) - The tiny pearl brooch seems an innocuous detail in Raphael's enigmatic "Fornarina" portrait, but for one group of historians it unlocks a scandalous love affair kept secret for centuries.

According to new research published in May, the pearl, pinned onto an elaborate turban, is part of a web of allusions to the Renaissance artist's clandestine marriage to the beautiful sitter, a baker's daughter -- despite a very public engagement to the niece of a powerful Vatican cardinal.

---snip

It ties Margherita to a string of nuptial allegories in the "Fornarina," from the band on her arm bearing Raphael's name -- an unusual way to sign a painting -- to a wedding ring on her finger, later covered up by the painter's anxious students.

"It may seem artificial to us, but these were everyday games at the Renaissance courts," says Bernardelli Curuz. "At least until the 18th Century, the allegorical side of painting was extremely important. It was Impressionism that dampened our ability to read a painting like a book."

---snip

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20050617/lf_nm/arts_raphael_dc

[OffWithTheirHeads]

1. I have often wondered about the ability to "read paintings"

I am a big fan of William Bouguereau.

I work in a sheet metal shop. Traditionally, these types of work environments included many pictures of women in various stages of undress. Our shop was no different until some of the girls in the front office started to complain. The usual PC stuff, "degrading to women","bad for their self esteem", etc. Anyway, I asked if they would object if I brought in some of the "classics", you know, Birth of Venus, perhaps some Rubens, etc. One of the paintings I brought in was by Bouguereau. It is called "Broken Pitcher". It is on display at the Palace of the Legion of Honor in San Francisco.

When I first saw this painting in person, The guide said that, at the time it was painted, it was considered Kiddie Porn. The cracked jug indicating lost innocence, etc. I mentioned this to one of the "offended" (and very bright) women in the office, She said, " how the hell do they know all that? Maybe they just make that stuff up".

Much to my dismay, I, having a great appreciation for art and, unfortunately a very poor art education, could not answer her.

I don't know how they knew that. I just took their word for it.

Bottom line, nekkid women pics came down but I was allowed "fine art" in my office.

[KittyWampus]

2. Yes, It's Part Of The Aftermath Of The Enlightenment. Reason Exterminated

Intuition and the Western World largely lost its capacity to understand Symbolic Reality.

I say largely because there are those such as Advertisers, PR men and Progandists who still understand the import of Symbols on the Human Psyche and their potential for shaping the Manifest, Physical World.

In some ways, it's as if Western Culture has, itself, become Autistic.

[OffWithTheirHeads]

3. Why am I fascinated by this topic

and no one else bothers to respond?

I would be appreciative if either of you would PM me about this subject because I think it it much more interesting than Jakko, and I think it's important in exploring what is no longer happening in human communication.

And, like I said, my art education is lacking.
Bud