In 1447, Fra Angelico began painting his heavenly vision on the vault of the San Brizio Chapel in Orivieto, but within months he abandoned his contract. Fifty years later, Luca Signorelli was commissioned to finish the ceiling and to decorate the walls of the room. The result was one of the most original and significant fresco cycles produced in Italy during that historic period of artistic achievement known as the High Renaissance. Now, with this audio tour, you can experience these ground-breaking frescoes guided by the scholarship of a renowned Renaissance historian. This guide is the exclusive audio adaptation of the popular book in The Great Fresco Cycles of the Renaissance series, written by a distinguished scholar of Medieval and Renaissance Italian art. The San Brizio frescoes depict the Christian story of the end of the world, and an exploration of the world beyond the grave.
Jane's engaging narration will guide you through the powerful imagery, to understand the fresco cycle in the context of the history and the artistic genius that coincided in its creation. This audio guide reveals:
The conceptual framework of the fresco cycle
Artistic significance, in terms of style, subject and technique
How the subject matter and apocalyptic imagery reflect 15th century Christian orthodoxy
How the frescoes express the religious and communal concerns of the Orvietan people
Signorelli's representational virtuosity and technical skill.For armchair travel, too! You don't have to actually go to Orvieto to appreciate the frescoes. Create a virtual visit as you listen to the narration; the pdf booklet includes pictures, and larger images are at www.janessmartart.com/orvieto.htm.
Background Context: "Slice of History", 50 minutes
On-Site Guide to the San Brizio Chapel, 75 minutes
Appendices, 30 minutes