Friday, December 11, 2009

Book of Kells Chi Rho Iota Page

Book of Kells Chi Rho Iota Page

Late 8th or early 9th century
Ox gall inks and pigments on vellum
Dimensions 12 . x 9 .
The Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript in Latin, containing the four Gospels of the New Testament together with various prefatory texts and tables. The book is hand made and countless hours of hard work dedication, craftsmanship and time have been put into the production of this book. The details are just outstanding. No matter how long you look at it your sure to discover something new. The audience will have tons of fun searching the Book of Kells Chi Rho Iota Page for new discoveries and finds. Who ever knew that illuminated manuscript could be so fun. The attraction will appeal to all ages.

Flotilla Fresco

Flotilla Fresco

c. 1650 BCE, New Palace Period
Plaster and paint,
Condition is fair would be completely restored.
In a beautiful building. Filled with beautiful sculptures and manuscript I figured a beautiful painting would fit into the collection. I would wish to fully restore the Flotilla Fresco a large scale fresco filled with glorious pink, blue, and gold mountains flicker in the bright sunlight. Graceful boats glide on calm seas past islands and leaping dolphins. Picturesque villages line the shore, with people lounging on terraces and rooftops. That is on on the descriptions used to describe the Flotilla Fresco. Doesn't it just sound magical and relaxing. The audience at my gallery would love to feast their eyes upon such talented work the Minoans created. They can learn various techniques used by the Minoans such as the "true" or "wet" painting method, allowing the pigments of metal and mineral oxides to bind well to the wall, while it required quick execution. The viewers can actually feel as though they are with in the work. Experiencing day to day life on the port of Akrotiri on the island of Thera.

Dome Of The Rock





Dome Of The Rock
691 C.E, Umayyad Dynasty
Various materials
Great Condition reconstructed
Oldest existing Islamic monument. It is located on Temple Mount, previously the site of the Temple of Jerusalem. The rock over which it is built is sacred to both Muslims and Jews. In Islam, Muhammad is believed to have ascended into heaven from the site. The outside of the building isn't as heavily decorated as the interior because the Islamic Society believed it's whats on the inside that counts. The interior is stunningly decorated. With use of various material lavish mosaic, faience, and marble. I would use this building as the housing for my upscale sculpture gallery. The West Front Of The Altar From Pergamon would lead up to this structure. There would also be restaurants and various activities located inside. The audience will be surrounded with art history no matter which way they turn. They can admire the beautiful inscriptions and mosaics throughout the entire gallery.


Laocoon And His Sons

Laocoon And His Sons
1st Centruy, Hellenistic - Roman Imperial
Marble, Height 8'
Great condition restored.
The Laocoon and his Sons is a monumental sculpture originally made in the Hellenistic Period, showing Laocoon the Trojan priest of Apollo and his sons, condemned by the anger of the gods to be crushed to death by serpents for Laocoon's attempt to expose the ruse of the Trojan Horse. We really get a sense for the drama and emotion that the sculptures of its time loved to depict in their work with this piece. This piece would work beautifully into the sculpture collection appealing to both children's senses of Mid Evil fantasy as well as adults. it would fit perfectly into the gallery collection giving us the drama and fantasy that the other pieces feature as well.

Constantine The Great











Constantine The Great





















325-26 CE, Roman Empire




Marble, Height (Head) 8’ 6”




Broken remains in fair condition.
















Constantine the Great was Roman Emperor from 306, and the sole holder of that office from 324 until his death in 337. Well know in history for being the first Christian Emperor. Constantine commissioned this colossal 30 foot statue of himself. This piece was done on a gran scale and demand attention representing imperial power and dignity with no hint of human frailty or imperfection. this piece would be wonderful for the gallery. I bet the audience would love to take pictures next to the massive body parts of Constantine The Great.

West Front Of The Altar From Pergamon







West Front Of The Altar From Pergamon

c.175-150 BCE, Hellenistic Period
Height of figure 7'7", Marble
Reconstructed
The Great Altar of Pergamon, a massive stone podium about one hundred feet long and thirty-five feet high and has figured in lists of the Wonders of the World. I would love to use this feature as an entrance way into the gallery. The audience would just be in disbelief and excited about what else is beyond the grand entrance to our gallery. The frieze standing over 7 feet high depicts the batter between the gods and the Giants done in high relief sculpture that pours out onto the steps. Many consider this theatrical and complex. Many believe The altar appears to be mentioned in the Book of Revelation, Revelation 2:12-13. This Altar is a great representation of techniques used by sculptures during the Hellenistic period. Imagine the excitement of the viewers as they witness the battle of Giants and gods pouring out at them from the Altar steps.

















Aphrodite of Melos (Venus De Milo)



Aphrodite of Melos (Venus De Milo)
c. 150-100 BCE, Hellenistic Period
Marble, Height 2.o4m
Good Condition.
Venus de Milo is an ancient Greek statue and one of the most famous works of ancient Greek sculpture. Widely renowned for the mystery of her missing arms. The piece was created to recall the Aphrodite of Praxiteles. Features techniques from the High Classical Period such as heavier proportions. As well as techniques from the Hellenistic Period such a the twisting stance and the rich three-dimensional quality. This piece is very easily recognizable by many cultures. It is praised by artists and critics as the epitome of female beauty. It is truly a treasure and our viewers will be intrigued by Venus de Milo's story, history and great beauty.


Thursday, December 10, 2009

Virgin And Child




Virgin And Child
c. 1339, Fourteenth Century
Height 69cm, Silver Gilt and enamel
Great condition.
The Virgin of Queen Jeanne d'Evreux was donated to the royal abbey church of Saint-Denis. The sculpture is somewhat idealized and depicts a young Mary. The Virgin and the child which is Jesus interact naturally as mother and child would have. Mary is standing in the graceful S-curve pose which was popular during the fourteenth century. Beautiful detail in the drapery. The scepter served as a reliquary for a few strands of Marys hair. This statue is important to the believers of Christ. By featuring this piece people will come and feel closer to Jesus. How closer can you feel to the lord than to stand before a sculpture of Christ and the Virgin Mary that contains a relic from Mary herself. The woman who gave birth to Jesus. This piece is not only important to art history. It plays an important part in the history of Christianity as well. On lookers will also have the opportunity to see the various techniques used by fourteenth century sculptures.




Inner Coffin Of Tutankhamun's Sarcophagus

Inner Coffin Of Tutankhamun's Sarcophagus
Eighteenth Dynasty, 1332-1322 BCE.
Height 1.85m, Weight 243 pounds
Gold inlayed with glass and semiprecious stones.
Great condition.
On November 22, 1922 Carter found Tutankhamen's tomb by far the best preserved and most intact pharaonic tomb ever found in the Valley of the Kings. One of the most fascinating finds was the mummy itself which was located inside three nested coffins. The innermost coffin was the richest of them all. Made of 243 pounds of gold and semiprecious stones. It is also decorated with colored glass which would just be ravishing when light hits the surface. The king holds a crook and flail associated with Osiris. His necklace indicates military valor. Lots of time a dedication was put into the details. The on lookers would flock to our gallery to see this beautiful craftsmanship. The actual coffin of a powerful Pharaoh of Ancient Egypt.

Funerary Mask Of Tutankhamun



Funerary Mask Of Tutankhamun
Dating c. 1327 BCE. Eighteenth Dynasty.
Gold inlaid with glass and semiprecious stones.
Height 54.5 cm, Great condition.
This is the Death Mask of Tutankhamun. A once powerful Pharaoh that ruled Egypt during 1332 -1322 BCE. This mask would have been placed over the head and shoulders of his mummy. While slightly idealized, it somewhat echos the facial features of the Pharaoh. The craftsmanship on this piece is out standing. We see the use of horizontal lines on the headdress as well as the cobra, symbolizing sovereignty over Lower Egypt. The discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb was an extraordinary day in the whole history of Egyptian excavation. The on lookers of this piece will be in disbelief and forever remember the day they feast their eyes upon an actual funerary mask of an Eighteenth Dynasty Pharaoh made of pure gold and semiprecious stones.