Monday, March 16, 2020

Tabernacoli Fiorentini - Tabernacles in Florence Italy

Reprint:  Borsheim Art Newsletter:

by Kelly Borsheim copyright 10 December 2009
    CONTENTS:
  1. New Drawing: Borgo degli Albizi - Firenze, Italia
  2. Italian Street Painting
  3. Save the Date: Hawaiian Workshop Sept 4-11, 2010
  4. Tabernacoli Fiorentini
  5. Lana Thompson: artist and gallery owner
  6. Blog Highlights: Watch the carving of a new marble sculpture
  7. Subscription Info. 


A tiny tabernacle: in this rare case
serves as a donation slot for money to feed the homeless
Via Di Mezzo, Florence, Italy
All photos by Kelly Borsheim







Dear Art Lover,
     I hope that you are enjoying all that the seasons have to offer. I myself have been carving stone and painting portrait commissions, as well as enjoying all of the art events that I have been invited to attend.

     I am also missing Italy. Borgo degli Albizi is one of my favorite streets in central Florence. I rode my bike down that street often on my way home or into "centro." I like the variety of shops along this street and the stone buildings in the ever-changing light. And so, I would like to introduce to you my latest charcoal and pastel drawing of a couple walking in a nighttime rain down Borgo degli Albizi. 
[Updated: 14 December 2009: This drawing has sold to a private collector in California.  The link above is for the print.]


As it turns out, many people tell me that they find my work as a madonnara fascinating. And so, I have just put up a page on my site to show you a little bit about the street paintings that I have created over the last couple of years in Florence. Check it out at:
https://www.borsheimarts.com/book/3134/my-life-as-a-street-painter-in-florence-italy-by-kelly-borsheim

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SAVE THE DATE: September 4 - 11, 2010


Escape with me to a tropical paradise in a resort in Kona, Hawai'i. Yes, Hawai'I, this time! I have been invited to teach art there and am putting the final touches into a great workshop that I will teach on the Big Island. I decided on those September dates so that Americans may take advantage of the Labor Day Weekend, but also to allow me some time to finish up my summer in Italy. I will be sending out a separate e-mail about this opportunity a little later on, but start thinking about hula, art, flowers, volcanoes, and the ocean. And lots of color and Nature!

Birds of Paradise, a diptych, 12 x 24, acrylic with silver metallic paint by Kelly Borsheim

 

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Tabernacoli Fiorentini (Florentine Tabernacles)

     Italy often strikes me as the land of devotion (of many kinds!) and so it made sense for me to share some of that with you in this Christmas newsletter. One cannot spend much time in Florence before noticing the tabernacoli fiorentini” – Florentine tabernacles. They are everywhere, about 1200 in total, and in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.
    
     One of my favorite tour guides is my Florence-born friend Simone. I do not always believe every story he tells me, but he has a way of presenting much of Florence’s history in a manner that makes me think and sometimes laugh.
    One evening on our way to what he calls the best brewery in all of Firenze, he told me about the tabernacoli fiorentini.’
    
     At some point in history, someone noticed that going to church helped to spread the plague. It seems that a large group of people congregating indoors was not an effective way to reduce the spread of contagious diseases. Any church go-er believes that NOT going to church just will not do, so artists and architects were asked to come to the rescue. Thus, shrines depicting the Madonna, often with child or the entire sacred family, were built on the outside of churches, and often on the corners of the streets to allow people to worship out in the fresh air.
    
     Or, as Simone put it: “I tabernacoli furono istituiti perchè la peste nelle chiese fiorentine era responsabile di molti contagi e allora fu deciso di celebrare le messe sulla strada, negli angoli con i tabernacoli che dovevano rappresentare la Madonna” [“The shrines were established because the Florentine churches were responsible for many infections of the plague and it was then decided to celebrate Masses on street corners with the tabernacles that were to represent the Madonna.”]
    
     Other sources say this form of devotional art preceded Christianity. Originally, these shrines were “temples with sacred images of the house or protectors of the wayfarers. The custom was then maintained with the emergence of Christianity.”

    Some of the art inside these windows is good stuff. Other tabernacles are more like folk art, what I might call heartfelt, if lacking in technique. Each in its way is worthy of cherishing. I was surprised at how often people still place fresh flowers and objects in these tabernacles. It was not until I began to photograph the tabernacoli fiorentini that I realized just how difficult it is to really see these devotional artworks.
    
     Florence I find challenging to photograph because the buildings are so close together that light can be elusive. And there is so much glare in the plastic or glass coverings of the shrines that one sees reflections of architecture more than the art inside. Graffiti surrounds many tabernacoli but I have never seen graffiti ON an actual shrine. I feel glad that taggers have some sort of honor code. I include here some of my images with addresses when I remember them. Over the last two decades a group called “Friends of Florentine Museums” has been restoring these devotional artworks throughout the Renaissance City. Enjoy.

Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague
This is the church Simone showed me.
This 'tabernacolo fiorentino' is located between
the Arno River and the Porta San Frediano.
From the Porta, follow the wall to the Arno and you cannot miss her.
San Frediano zona, Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague
San Frediano zona, Florence, Italy

Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague
You can see the Porta San Frediano on the right.
Zona San Frediano, Florence, Italy

Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague
Zona San Frediano, Florence, Italy  
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague
Via della Spada, Restored 1995, the city decorated for Christmas
'tabernacolo fiorentino', Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague
Via della Spada, Restored 1995, lit, but not overly
'tabernacolo fiorentino', Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague
Via della Spada (detail)
'tabernacolo fiorentino', Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague
Via della Spada (detail)
'tabernacolo fiorentino', Florence, Italy

Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague
Via della Vigna Nuova (on right)
near Piazza C. Goldoni, Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague
Via della Vigna Nuova (on right)
near Piazza C. Goldoni, Florence, Italy

Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
1714 by Giuseppe Moriani, Restaurato 1995
Borgo La Croce, Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
1714 by Giuseppe Moriani, Restaurato 1995
Borgo La Croce, Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
holes in the windows allow the fresco to breathe
1714 by Giuseppe Moriani, Restaurato 1995
Borgo La Croce, Florence, Italy

Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
not far from Piazza Salvemini and Standa
Via Pietra Piana, Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
one of the more beautiful bas reliefs I have seen
but could not find the artist's name
Via Pietra Piana, Florence, Italy

Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
I included this image because I rarely see
women in fur coats depositing trash in America.
Via Giovanni Da Verrazzano, Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
La Sacra Famiglia'
Affresco Di Giovanni Mannozzi 1590-1636
Via Giovanni Da Verrazzano, Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Tabernacolo near Teatro Verdi
Via Ghibellina, Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Catty-corner from this tabernacolo is Pozzo Divino
a wine enoteca owned by my friend Pino,
and where I have exhibited my art before
I understand that his place used to hold prisoners
destined for death in the nearby Bargello. Via Ghibellina, Florence, Italy

Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
I love the bikes! near Zecchi Art Supply and the Duomo
Via dello Studio, Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Tabernacolo of the Madonna - lovely
Via dello Studio, Florence, Italy

Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Via della Chiesa
Zona San Spirito, Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Via della Chiesa
Zona San Spirito, Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
You may see again the holes in the window to help the art breathe
Zona San Spirito, Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Going UP past the Annigoni Museum
Via di Belvedere, Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
his decorative gate protects and obscures.
Via di Belvedere, Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Note the unusual lines of light on the wall to the right of the tabernacolo.
I have yet to discover the origin of these reflexions. Catene?
Via San Agostino
Zona San Spirito, Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Another view of the light and tabernacle
Via San Agostino
Zona San Spirito, Florence, Italy

Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Devotional Art
'tabernacolo fiorentino', Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Fresco in an arched tabernacle
Devotional art, Florence, Italy

Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
But . . . perhaps the lack of light and visibility protect the outdoor art?
Via dei Preti
Zona San Spirito, Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Via dei Preti
Zona San Spirito, Florence, Italy

Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Via Maurizio Bufalini (close to Duomo)
the art of devotion, Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Via Maurizio Bufalini
'Madonna col bambino', Florence, Italy
 
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Via Maurizio Bufalini (with the Duomo reflected)
Madonna and Child art, Florence, Italy
[lovely angel sculpted into the wall underneath]
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Sometimes one must look way UP for inspiration. Via dei Geppi
Zona San Spirito, Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Via dei Geppi
Zona San Spirito, Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
'In Memoria di Nello e Bruna Giovannini'
restored in 2000 Via Camillo Cavour, Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
'In Memoria di Nello e Bruna Giovannini'
restored in 2000 Via Camillo Cavour, Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
In Memoria Di Albertina Brvschi
Madonna Col Bambino By Matteo Rosselli 1578-1650
Via F. Portinari (near SMN Hospital), Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Detail of heart-shaped objects place inside the tabernacle
Madonna Col Bambino By Matteo Rosselli 1578-1650
Via F. Portinari (near SMN Hospital), Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Via della Colonna (I think)
a bit of variety, Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Via della Colonna (I believe)
not a Madonna, Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Via dei Macci - near a pharmacy (green cross sign)
Zona Santa Croce, Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
The old with the new, Via dei Macci
Zona Santa Croce, Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
I liked the ghostly look of the white stone (marble?) under the reflective glass.
Madonna and Child tabernacle, Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Devotional Art
Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Near Casa di Dante (Dante's House)
Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Corner of Borgo Pinti and the Viale
Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Near the Palazzo Strozzi
Devotional art, Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Devotional art
Via dell'Orto, Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Ave Maria
Borgo Lorenzo, Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
'tabernacolo fiorentino'
Zona San Spirito, Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Via del Monte alle Croci
Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Vicolo dei Malespini
Florence, Italy

Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Maybe: Costa di San Giorgio
up the road from the Annigoni Museum, Florence, Italy

Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Sad to see things casually draped over devotional art
Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Outside of the Porta Romana
Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Encroaching Shadows on the tabernacle
Via Matteo Palmieri, Florence, Italy

Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
One of my favorites . . .
Via Ricasoli, Florence, Italy

Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Via dei Rustici
Florence, Italy

Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Corner of Via dei Pilastri and Borgo Pinti
Florence, Italy

Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
The only dragon I have ever seen, depicted with St. George, I suppose.
Via dei Pepi e Via dei Pilastri, Florence, Italy

Modern Tabernacolo Fiorentino

Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Stelleconfuse is an Italian street artist from FlorenceLocation: near Via de' Bardi, Florence, Italy
Tabernacoli Fiorentini Tablernacle in Florence Italy Devotional Art during the Plague Shrine
Stelleconfuse is an Italian street artist from FlorenceLocation: near Via de' Bardi, Florence, Italy
 When in Florence, Italy, contact the “Associazione Culturale Florence Oltrarno” and ask for a tour specifically for this hidden but invaluable art form.

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Lana Thompson: A Tribute

Artist Lana Thompson makes quilted devotional art

    This newsletter is dedicated to my friend Lana Thompson, who lost a three-year battle with leukemia in November. Lana and her husband Joe Mole ran a gallery in La Grange, Texas, which featured my art, as well as the work of many other Texas-based artists. They shut down their gallery years ago so that they could focus on Lana's recovery.
    Lana was a joy to be around and she also created devotional art. I include a few images here of her work, sent to me by her brother-in-law and one of her collectors, Richard Mole.
    "The Virgin of Bourbon Street" is one of her many works of fabric art and hangs on a wall. The other three images are of two tabernacle types of constructions that Lana created for Richard and are definitely Italy-inspired. Lana studied many of the symbols and imagery of ancient cultures. I am honored that her husband Joe gave so many of these interesting books to me for use in my studio.
    If you would like to read more about Lana, her poetry and art, please read my blog dedication on 30 November 2009.

Artist Lana Thompson makes mixed media devotional art in 3-dimensions
Artist Lana Thompson makes mixed media devotional art in 3-dimensions




Artist Lana Thompson makes mixed media devotional art in 3-dimensions Shrine


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Blog Highlights:

Watch the progress of my largest marble carving to date. The Gymnast starts here:

http://artbyborsheim.blogspot.com/2009/12/marble-carving-gymnast.html
Merry Christmas to you and enjoy all of the other seasonal celebrations, including the Winter Solstice.

Thank you for reading and by all means, forward this newsletter on to anyone you think would enjoy it. Pace (peace),
Kelly Borsheim
10 December 2009