Dr. Lori Verderame
Art & Antiques by Dr. Lori
By Dr. Lori Verderame
2019 marks 500 years after the death of Italian Renaissance thinker, inventor, and artist Leonardo da Vinci. Even today, we are still all interested in his work and innovative ideas. While a new movie starring that other Leonard—yes, that’s DiCaprio–will highlight the artist’s biography and triumphs in the arts and sciences, travel destinations around the world will remember the Renaissance man and the wonders of his great mind. The art marvels of Leonardo will be featured in events in and around the Italian city of Milan as other cities focus on highlighting the installation art for which Leonardo is widely known. Leonardo’s influence does not stop at the famous Last Supper mural located in the refectory of the convent at Santa Maria delle Grazie, a church and Dominican convent in Milan and a UNESCO World Heritage site which opened in 1497.
While more visitors flock to Milan than any other Italian city, it is the art and fashion scenes which intrigue travelers. Events surrounding Leonardo’s 500th will make the fine city best known for art and fashion busier than ever. The ceiling murals by Leonardo at the Sala delle Asse, circa 1498, of tempera on plaster featuring intertwined plants, fruits, roots, rocks, and white mulberry trees which were raised by Lodovica Sforza, the Duke of Milan have been newly restored and are now on view in their amazing splendor. This amazing work of art found at the Castello Sforzesco is only one of Milan’s many attractions. https://www.milanocastello.it/en
Like the fascinating art work in Milan, artistic and architectural installations are attracting art lovers and travelers alike to other parts of the world. In New York City, there is a honeycomb spiral staircase and installation structure at Hudson Yards with a hefty price tag and a great public relations presence. The Vessel is giving American audiences and visitors a new way to experience art. Designed by Thomas Heatherwick, visitors can climb the nearly 2,500 steps of Vessel while experiencing the 150 feet tall bronzed steel and concrete structure. The innovative art structure can accommodate 1,000 people at one time. With a $150 million dollar cost, climbing the 154 flights actually is more costly than buying an elevator. https://www.hudsonyardsnewyork.com/discover/vessel
A far cry from New York’s staircase installation is a round mass that focuses on the world outdoors. In Seattle… yes, you had to know that Seattle would be a featured urban art site amidst an article dedicated to unique art installations. In Seattle, the Seattle Spheres are turning heads and making people rethink workplaces and their direct link to nature. The Spheres host 40,000 or more plants from the cloud forest regions of more than 30 countries. The first plant introduced into this art environment located at 6th Avenue and Lenora Street was the Australian tree fern. While Amazon workers can choose to work tirelessly on their laptops, city visitors can explore The Spheres too. https://www.seattlespheres.com/
Just like in Leonardo’s time, man meeting nature remains the focus for some of the world’s most interesting art works.
Dr. Lori Verderame is an author and award-winning TV personality on History channel’s #1 TV show, The Curse of Oak Island. With a Ph.D. from Penn State University and experience appraising 20,000 antiques every year from audiences nationwide, Dr. Lori presents antique appraisal events worldwide. Visit www.DrLoriV.com or call (888) 431-1010.