Celestial Sensations
Stendhal or “Florence Syndrome” is a psychosomatic reaction experienced while viewing great works of art, as in museums, which can cause heart palpitations, fainting, disorientation, panic attacks and psychotic episodes.
I had a similar experience at the National Gallery in London. Five hours into my visit, feeling emotionally exhausted and overwhelmed, I entered the Sainsbury Wing of Early Renaissance, mainly devotional paintings. There was no sparing of gold leaf.
“I reached the point where one encounters Celestial Sensations”. Henri-Marie Beyle (Stendhal)
That’s where I was confronted by Saint Michael fighting the Devil by Carlo Crivelli (1430-1494). The style seemed so unique and expressive. Linear but lively, a plethora of detail. If he were transported to the 21st Century, he would illustrate children’s books.
Why Saint Michael? It wasn’t a religious epiphany as much as surreal confusion. Crivelli’s style seemed out of place and reminded me more of Art Nouveau almost five centuries later. He seemed like a Time Traveller.
When I think of the Renaissance, I think of artists like Michelangelo (1475-1564), Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), Raphael (1483-1520), Botticelli (1445-1510).
If I think Crivelli seems out of place, where the heck did Hieronymus Bosch ( 1450-1516) and his bizarre Garden of Earthly Delights triptych come from?
Religious Freedom
A eureka moment for me was realizing that Christianity got a huge break with the conversion of Roman Emperor Constantine in 312 A.D. To go from persecution, to acceptance, to dominant religion was very convenient. From Pagan gods and rituals to Saints and relics. Isn’t that like decluttering, then letting old habits slip back in.
Right from the start there were disagreements and conflicts over the Nature of God. Perhaps the Early Monks and Hermits had the right idea. I am completely ill equipped to debate about religion but I am thankful to have the freedom to speculate. I think God has been lost in translation. The more I know, the more I am overwhelmed by what I don’t know.
forbidden fruit
why apples—
even honey crisp?
Thank you for your comments about Celestial Sensations and suggesting there is so much to converse about. That is what I’d like more of. So far I feel like I’m Thinking out Loud but no one is listening. I apologize that leaving a comment is still awkward. Apparently I need to change the font colour for username and email so it isn’t white on white and appears blind. I have a new computer and need help. Patience Grasshopper. If you put your name under your comment I will know who is commenting or you can send a private message to the website address penny.youngash@iamtheredherring.com
Thank you
Your Celestial Sensations post was extremely informational, even if from your own personal view point. So much to converse about! I can relate to the overwhelming feelings when going through galleries! There is so much more to see in a painting when seen with your own eyes; pictures never do them justice!
At the crossroads of analytical thought and runaway emotions: science and artistry Thank you for this latest red herring project.