Post by mikef6 on Nov 5, 2017 5:20:13 GMT
Raffaello: Il Principe delle Arti (Raphael: The Lord Of The Arts) / Luca Viotto (2017). This full-length documentary feature, shot in advanced 3-D technology, is one that I would have loved to see in that format. Alas, I had to settle for 2-D, but this film is amazing even so. This artistic genius was very busy during his short life of 37 years. He produced a truly amazing number of masterpieces. We get to see dozens of his works close up as well as an overview of his life with some scenes reenacted. Actor Flavio Parenti plays the artist in these sections. One of the surprises for me was the story of Raphael’s competitive rivalry with Michelangelo. I think my two favorites are, first, the Madonna Of The Goldfinch. This shows Mary sitting with the toddler John the Baptist who is holding out a goldfinch to the slightly younger Christ child. Jesus is reaching out a hand to pet the bird. I like the gentle feeling you get. Next, is the Sistine Madonna which injects some rare humor into Renaissance religious painting. Everybody loves the two cherubs (probably the most famous cherubs in the world ever) at the bottom of the work. They are clearly bored out of their minds. Lovely and touching. This film is a highly recommended experience whether you are an art expert or, like me, need to know much more than you do about art history.
