Thursday, September 25, 2008


Raphael, Madonna of the Candelabra, ca. 1513, Oil on panel.
The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

"Painted in Rome, this tondo (circular painting) of the Virgin and Child employs a rare motif of flanking candelabra that was derived from representations of ancient Roman emperors. Through this reference to the rulers of antiquity, Raphael alludes to Christ's and Mary's roles as the king and queen of Heaven. Raphael was famed for his graceful style. which combined the study of classical sculpture and nature. The chiaroscuro effects (modeling in light and shade) and gentle coloring give the figures a soft, delicate appearance. The painting relies heavily on the participation of Raphael's workshop, and the two angels certainly were done by his assistants. This was the first Madonna painted by Raphael to enter a North American collection."

Source: The Walters Art Museum
"... uno no puede saber quién lo va a hacer sufrir antes de que lo haga, y luego, cuando ya se puede ver al otro lado de la luna, es tarde y uno está adentro".

-El síndrome de Ulises de Santiago Gamboa

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

"The human heart has hidden treasures, in secret kept, in silence sealed. The thoughts, the hopes, the dreams, the pleasures, whose charms were broken if revealed."

-Inscription in Jane Eyre from April's father in Definitely, Maybe