When I went to Italy for the second time, I visited Florence, Pisa, and Rome. I was completely blown away by the artwork of the Renaissance era. Renaissance, by definition, means ‘rebirth’ or ‘revival.’ Personally, I think we are all somewhat searching for that in our own lives.
One of my favorite experiences, artistically speaking, was the tour of the Vatican.
St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums – Art and History
Much like our lives, the art exhibit unfolds showing us our basic human evolution through art. It was the most phenomenal layout—beginning with the early art that started with very rugged and basic paintings on stone plates. The early art seemed very one-dimensional and rather expressionless.
Then, the art began to evolve with color, aesthetics and complexity. As early painters got access to more color variations, they were able to make more realistic imagery of people. Contrast began to show as artists played with light, and shadows appeared in the work.
The later pieces began to show more emotion and expression. The artwork was suddenly able to convey something new, altogether: human emotion. You could see the details of the faces, actual expressions were captured. You could imagine the scene, these were “real people”.
Religion started to emerge onto the scene. Now, we are able to “see” people’s beliefs. I couldn’t help but notice that they were all seeking some form of salvation. Many of the depictions are of man attempting to raise himself up from whatever form of hell they are attempting to escape.
Prior to viewing this art firsthand, I abhorred the whole era to pictures of heaven and hell. But when you can view the artwork up close, and see the expression on their faces, it is easier to connect with the art when you understand its timeline. When I can view it more as a continuum of human development (or developmental skills), it actually makes great sense — and is quite beautiful.
When we see the paintings about religion, and look at it in context, we understand that they are in conflict. They are trying to make sense of life. They are trying to figure out religion, personal truths, and facing their own personal demons. Much like ourselves, they are simply trying their best to rise above their current situation into something more pure and meaningful.
Many of the representations seem to serve as a reminder that it is not all about the physical. Every subject is pointing up as if to tell us we can have salvation, reminding us that this form, this world is very esoteric. And in the end, we can obtain our personal freedom, through salvation, of some sort.
During the tour, our guide, chimed in with,
“The internal creates the external and the mind must first believe in order to achieve.”
We must overcome our natural instinct to act as savage beasts, radical emotionalists and elevate our thinking in order to achieve what is possible.
These paintings remind us to hold onto faith and believe that we can accomplish great things. The art and architecture serve as a fantastic reminder that individuals can achieve seemingly impossible feats and rise above whatever form of self-doubt to create the stunning and beautiful.
All of the ‘greats’ whether Jesus or Michelangelo, Raphael, or Goethe were able to do just that.
My other favorite experience was visiting the Accademia Gallery in Florence. As you walk in to view Michelangelo’s revered sculpture of David, you pass by several blocks of stone. Seemingly unimpressive (especially compared to the size of David) many people walk right past. Actually, I did just that! On my way out, however, I did stop to look and I was so glad I did.
We Are All Prisoners or Slaves
There were several six foot blocks of marble spaced out on either side of the entryway. Each piece had a man in the rock and they were emerging from the rock itself—as if they were pushing themselves out of this limited lump and coming into true form. The exhibit is called “Prisoners or Slaves” and Michelangelo was said to have taught his students not to go into a project with an idea in mind, but rather, to see what comes out of the rock. This series was meant to be instructional to remind them that there is something different and unique inside each one just waiting to come out.
We are all trying to push ourselves out of the rock—out of limited thought patterns or societal conditioning. In some way or another, we have all been held proverbial ‘Prisoners’. Like the sequential sculptures of the Rock becoming a Man, we must first rediscover what is inside and what wants to emerge.
The answer to the question, “Who’s In There?” can be found by looking inside ourselves and aligning with our true nature. When we trust that the real person or true self inside us IS THERE, and foster that relationship, we are in the process of becoming a true work of art and living free from all that binds us.
“Not even the greatest sculptor can make something that isn’t already in the marble.”
—Michelangelo Buonarroti 1495-1564
