Boccioni at the MoMA

Realizing that I've gone food-centric for the past few posts, here's a bit of art for you all! 

The Museum of Modern Art is packed with masterpieces and one of them happens to be, quite possibly, my favorite statue. Umberto Boccioni's 'Unique Forms of Continuity in Space' may not seem familiar, but if you've ever had a 20 cent piece, you've definitely seen this statue before.  MoMA's version is only a copy, but an original one made in 1931, during Boccioni's life. 

Boccioni's statue is a key Futurist work. Futurism was an important movement that developed in the early 20th century and encompassed not only art and architecture, but also music, theater, literature, food and even fashion. Futurism embraced the many changes that were taking place in that specific period, including industrialization and devastating wars. Their inspiration was drawn from dynamic movement, speed and the artists' rapidly evolving Italy. 

'Unique Forms of Continuity in Space' is the perfect example of the Futurists' love of continuous movement and dynamism. The figure of the man is almost secondary to the flowing lines of his body and Boccioni's play on the empty space around the work. In fact, that's the reason why I tried to show you all a 360-degree view of the work. 

San Martino

If you're looking for only one museum to visit while in Naples, the Certosa of San Martino just may be it. Situated in the Vomero, the museum offers breathtaking views and an amazing, varied collection of artwork. If you're lucky, as I was, you can tour the museum practically by yourself too! (No lines here!) 

Initial work on the complex began in 1325, when this monastery was founded. Of course, as is typical here, work continued on during the following centuries! Monks inhabited this intricately decorated space almost constantly up until 1866. Shortly after their departure, the complex was turned into a museum by the archaeologist Giuseppe Fiorelli. This museum was, and still is, the best testament to the history and society of Naples. 

As I entered into the museum, the first building I encountered was the church. I stepped into the structure and I was completely alone. While the church isn't large by any standards, the artwork found inside is absolutely stunning. This church was consecrated in 1368, yet decoration of the inside continued on until the 18th century. The work of artists like Cosimo Fanzago, Jusepe de Ribera and others adorn the inside of the church. 

However, the museum also allows visitors to visit the sacresty, the small chapels and the other areas behind the church. The frescos there are just as marvelous as the ones in the church! And once again, it was just me and the art. 

The actual holdings of the museum, regarding various aspects of Neapolitan life through the years, are quite interesting. There are carriages and boats that belonged to the kings, intricately carved and painted. There are paintings and sculptures, mostly of a religious nature, that show off the ability of some of Napoli's most famous artists. One of the most eye-catching aspects of the collection is a huge Nativity scene. Naples is well-known for the hand-crafted presepe, and the museum houses the largest Nativity scene I've ever seen. 

My favorite part of the museum is called the Chiostro Grande, basically a large courtyard in the middle of the museum. In the very center, there is a well designed by Giovanni Antonio Dosio. Surrounded by beautiful, colorful, flowering trees, this courtyard is heavenly. Nevertheless, there is a darker side to the chiostro. Skulls. Yes, there is a tiny cemetery there and the fence surrounding it is topped with (fake) skulls. 

The museum is open every day from 8.30 until 7.30 p.m., except for Wednesdays. Tickets cost around 7 euro, although there are certain times when entrance is free. (I believe from 8.30 until 10.30 and from 5.30 p.m until closing, but I am not 100% about the times.) 

Museo Egizio di Torino

"La strada per Menfi e per Tebe passa per Torino."

(or "The road to Memphis and Thebes passes through Turin.")

Torino is home to Europe's foremost collections of Egyptian art. It is said to be the most important collection of Egyptian art after the museum in Cairo. And interestingly enough, this museum is also the oldest Egyptian museum in the world!!!

The collection began almost one century ago, back in 1824, and is largely due to the work of two men. Bernardino Drovetti and Ernesto Schiaparelli were the adventurers who brought back the bulk of the museum's holdings. In 1824, Drovetti sold some 5,000 pieces to the King of Sardegna Carlo Felice di Savoia, providing a sound basis for the new museum's collection. Later, at the begining of the 20th century, Schiaparelli's work helped to enlarge the collection by more than 25,000 pieces. Some of the most famous works held in the museum include a statue of Ramses II, the tomb of Kha and Merit, and the temple of Ellesija.

The museum is open everyday except Monday from 8.30 until 7.30 p.m. Tickets cost around 7 euros. If you happen to be in Torino, this museum is a great way to switch things up!

A Morning at the MADRE

Everyone knows Italy is renowned for for its art and architecture. Maybe you've walked through the Roman Forum, or perhaps seen da Vinci's 'Last Supper,' or visited the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. They are breathtaking, but what about modern and contemporary art in Italy?!

Welcome to the MADRE, the Museo d'Arte Contemporanea Donna Regina! This is one of those places that you'd probably never notice it if you weren't looking for it. What a mistake! Off a side street near Piazza Cavour, the MADRE is home to 3 floors of modern art by famed international and Italian artists. There's Jeff Koons, Lucio Fontana, Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, Michelangelo Pistoletto, Mario Schifano and just about any other big name you can imagine.

The third floor of the museum is generally used for special exhibits. Right now there is an interesting display of photographs by various artists depicting some of the grittier parts of Naples. The MADRE also has a rooftop terrace, where there's a great view of the city and Mimmo Paladino's "Horse."

While at the MADRE, don't forget to take a look through this door. Part of the complex is the deconsecrated church of Donna Regina Vecchia, from the 14th century. Home to the University of Federico II's school of restoration, it also occasionally serves as an exhibition space for the MADRE. Inside, there are frescos and the intricate marble tomb of Queen Mary of Hungary dating from the early 1300's. Isn't it great how Italians can meld the old and the new together perfectly?!

The MADRE is located on via Settembrini 79, just off of via Duomo. (The closest metro stop is Piazza Cavour.) The museum is open every day from 10 am until 7 pm, except Tuesdays. Tickets cost 7 euro, and chances are you will be one of the few (if not only!) people there.