Madonnina - Hardcover

Chamlee, Paula

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1888899077 ISBN 13: 9781888899078

Publisher: Lodima Press, 2004

Synopsis

Chamlee's warm-toned b&w photos on heavy, creamy paper stock take on a pleasantly meditative sameness as the pages roll past to record the "little Madonna" shrines of Tuscany. The icons--made by both folk artists and trained sculptors--in fact vary considerably in their details and their settings, in the countryside and in towns and villages. Chamlee traveled through the region in 2000 and 2001 and was drawn by the icons' ubiquity and beauty as well as the spirit of devotion they express. The images are introduced by an essay about the history and traditions of the Madonna shrines in Italy by the Italian scholar Giuliana Bianchi Caleri. Oversize: 9.25x10.25". Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

About this title

Review

"Paula Chamlee's "Madonnina brings much of what is Itlay art, architecture, religion, the rural spirit -onto the page and into our eyes. Beautifully composed and exquisitely printed, the images both document and celebrate this intimate yet onmipresent tradition. The art, the artists, and the viewers are all richer for her wondrous work."

Synopsis

While photographing throughout Tuscany in 2000 and 2001, Paula Chamlee found herself drawn to the great beauty, variety, and extraordinary craftsmanship of the 'Madonnina' shrines that can be found everywhere in Tuscany. Throughout the countryside and in towns and villages, these lovingly crafted personal shrines to the Virgin Mary bear witness to a deep-seated and popular faith in the Holy Virgin and the humanity she embodies. With a tradition dating back to antiquity, these cultural and religious objects continue to be created even today as protection for personal property, homes and their inhabitants. Whether sophisticated or primitive in design, the shrines represent a spirit of devotion expressed quietly and simply. Although they can easily be overlooked by the casual traveller, these small shrines are readily found along roadsides, among fields, at intersections and property lines, set in the walls of houses and barns, and even in the woods as well as other unusual locations. Chamlee discovered one in the midst of a marble quarry beside a busy pathway cleared for giant marble-moving machines.

Paula Chamlee's sensitive portrayal of Le Madonnine in their variety and beauty are complemented by an informative essay by the Italian scholar Giuliana Bianchi Caleri, who writes about the history and tradition of the Madonna shrines in Italy.

Edition details

• Publisher: Lodima Press
• Publication date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1888899077
• ISBN 13: 9781888899078
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 120