Art has been observed and analyzed since its existence. Either appreciated or criticized, art lovers have always found pleasure in doing so. Especially, in the city of Rome. The city amazes art appreciators by the demonstration of art fusion of the past and present while also confusing them due to the restoration processes spotted at these preserved heritage sites.
Within Rome, the Vatican and the Colosseum are the monuments which attracts most of the tourist. Other artsy places include the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Spanish Steps. All these locations, rich in art heritage of the renaissance period, demonstrate an interesting blend of ancient art and contemporary art, either in the art itself or the legends that bind to them.
The Vatican City, run by the Pope, is world’s smallest country located in the center of Rome. Now, serving as world’s largest museum, it treasures beautiful art pieces which are visible all around. As soon as one enters the region, a huge head statue stares at the tourists with a blankness in expression. Looking much alike Michelangelo’s David, a 17.0 ft. single piece marble statue created between 1501 and 1504, marks its authenticity as the actual face of a Roman emperor, build decades before the David. According to some art scholars, Michelangelo might have crossed paths with the sculpture and replicated the features for David.
Another fascinating masterpiece of art at Vatican are the Raphael’s Rooms, build by and dedicated to the well-known renaissance artist, Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino. The rooms have paintings on all walls and ceiling that present ancient Greek legends. The floors are pieces of roman mosaic that have been carefully relocated from its original place to the museum. The doors and windows of the rooms also contribute to the authenticity by showcasing fine wood carvings, some even plated with pure gold imported from the American subcontinent when it was first discovered.
Apart from the visual beauty, the paintings exhibit art methods that are surprising to learn about.
Self-portrays of the artists as signature, painting faces of the sponsored usually the pope in charge at that time as tribute, faces of competitors in poor condition due to grudges or the faces of random famous people as legendary characters, all serve as ancient tool of art that tell a lot about the history and environment of the past.
One such painting is the ‘The School of Athens’, located in the second room made by Raphael. It portrays Aristotle and Plato in the center surrounded by various education scholars and seekers. The painting is much studied as it uses the face of Leonardo da Vinci as Plato, Giuliano da Sangallo as Aristotle and Michelangelo as Heraclitus who is shown in distress in front left of the painting. A face of man is visible hidden among a group of student in the right corner which directly stares out of painting making it awkward for the viewers. Surprisingly, the face is a self-portrait of Raphael himself looking put at audience reaction to his art.
‘The Expulsion of Heliodorus from the Temple’ is another contribution to the same concept that showcases the face of Pope Julius II, who was the sponsor of the painting at the time it was build. As one reaches the last room of the four Raphael’s rooms, the painting style changes a bit as it presents humans with muscular bodies and bold figures, much like in Michelangelo paintings. ‘The Fire in the Borgo’ is a piece that is criticized for imitating Michelangelo style of human representation. It depicts a muscular man hanging from a wall trying to escape the fire. Along with the imitated features, the face is said to be of Raphael himself looking terrified as he realizes threat to his popularity due to Michelangelo’s skills.
Considered as contemporary art techniques at that time, the paintings present interesting blend of art. The attempt of fusion of art is also spotted in the Vatican garden where the ‘Sphere Within Sphere’ (Sfera con sfera) sits. It is modern art bronze structure made by Italian sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro. Conflicting with the ancient preserved environment of art at Vatican, this piece adds diversity yet arises a sense of confusion to the observers who visit the place for its historical prospective.
The fusion of art can be seen throughout the history of the city, not just at Vatican. The Colosseum presents this fusion on form differing construction techniques which is visually noticeable on the interior and exterior walls of the monument. Also, known as the Flavian Amphitheater, it began construction under the emperor Vespasian in AD 72, and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and heir Titus. Due to the differing time periods, social organization and many other factors, the construction exhibits varied techniques from different type of bricks, it’s layering techniques and even in the overall model of the theatre.
However, majority of it is also due to the reconstruction and restoration that have been done on it since its discovery. Wars, natural disasters, or other human influences have made severe damage to the monument which had to be restored in order to preserve it. This is done through primarily modern techniques which upsets some art lovers as it reduces the credibility, authenticity and historic influence of the monument. It has been debated whether preserving something in original form is more important than maintaining its beauty and accessibility to public by restoration through modern techniques. Regardless, tourist and travelers embrace the beauty of the place and appreciate the artistic treasure. Irrespective of the talks on authenticity and originality, it adds to diversity of art which can be used to study time and art in future.
Rasika Rane 