Brooches and the Art of Virtuosity

Santa Maria dei Fossi  (Holy Mary of the Ditches) was originally
an altarpiece on wood for the church in
Perugia carrying the same name. The work
was commissioned to Pinturicchio on February
14th, 1496 on Valentines' Day.
This Virgin Mary (detail of the central part)
became the prototype of many Madonnas
in the years to follow. The altarpiece
had a great success. 

The brooch that the Virgin Mary is wearing
in the painting of Santa Maria dei Fossi
(ceramic reproduction by Cama Deruta, the sample piece)

In the Renaissance period virtuosity was an art, sealed with brooches of different sizes and dimensions, both men and women could wear them as part of their clothing and confirmed that they were virtuous people, which meant that they were gifted with the art of accomplishing things well.

The Italian artist who best expressed brooches details in paintings was Pinturicchio (Perugia, 1452-Siena, 1513), one of the two major artists who inspired the ceramic art of Deruta, Italy besides Perugino.

Part of Deruta's traditional ceramics is detailed reproductions of paintings on wood, frescoes, and floors, works of art of Renaissance artists, most of the time honoring art cities (i.e. Deruta, Siena, Orvieto). Herewith follows an example of ceramic reproductions of the painting "Santa Maria dei Fossi" by Pinturicchio based on the original altarpiece.

The original altarpiece of Santa Maria dei Fossi, Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria, Perugia, Italy
Click on the photo for enlargement.

The Peacock  is the symbol of Christ, the upper right decoration
altarpiece of Santa Maria dei Fossi.
(ceramic reproduction by Cama Deruta, the sample piece)

Grotesques from the altarpiece of Santa Maria dei Fossi, the upper right decoration
(ceramic reproduction  by Cama Deruta, the sample piece)

For Cosimo de' Medici - one of the greatest personalities of the Renaissance period in Italy- these are the ingredients for the success of projects and accomplishments: STRENGTH, the virtue of the action (speed), SILENCE, PRUDENCE, PATIENCE and VIGILANCE, virtues of the mind (slowness).

-----------------------------------------

- Original Posts by Roberta Niccacci -

FRIENDS OF CAMA 

Join the Facebook Page to Receive Blog Updates 

NEW!
Now on Twitter