During a recent visit to Napoli, I visited the Chapel of Sansevero that is home to one of the most impressive sculptures in the world. The chapel is just off a narrow little side street around the corner from Via San Gregorio Armeno otherwise known as Christmas Alley. There, you can find Presepe and … [Read more...] about Cristo Velato di Giuseppe Sanmartino – Baroque art pushing the limits of realism
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Elsa Schiaparelli – Italian fashion designer with a surrealist heart
I would like to bring to your attention Elsa Schiaparelli, an Italian fashion designer who dominated the fashion scene between the two world wars. Her rival at the time was none other than Coco Chanel. But, while Coco considered herself a dressmaking professional and a superb craftswoman, … [Read more...] about Elsa Schiaparelli – Italian fashion designer with a surrealist heart
Tale of Two Crosses by Cimabue
Cimabue was a Florentine painter who lived from 1251 until 1302. He is significant in that he is one of the first painters to shift from stylistic representations popular during the medieval ages, signifying a turning point in Art History toward the Renaissance. Paintings before Cimabue were flat … [Read more...] about Tale of Two Crosses by Cimabue
In the Presence of the Last Super by Stacy di Anna Pollard
Today I am pleased to share a guest post written by Stacy di Anna Pollard. Stacy is a friend and an Italiana-Americana, who like me loves Italy, art and the Italian language. Stacy writes the Blog "Prayers and Piazzas”. During a recent visit nel bel Paese, Stacy, visited Milan where she viewed … [Read more...] about In the Presence of the Last Super by Stacy di Anna Pollard
Harland Goudie: an inspirational art professor
When I look back at my college years and think about all the professors and teachers I had, one man stands out clearly amongst them all. His name is Harland Goudie. Harland taught Art at Knox College from 1954 until his retirement in 1990. Originally hailing from Montana, he came to live and teach … [Read more...] about Harland Goudie: an inspirational art professor
Domenico Ghirlandaio: Florentine artist, teacher to Michelangelo
This post first appeared in Italian on the Studentessa Matta Blog on September 28th, 2012. You can read the article in its original Italian clicking this link I have always liked the painter Domenico Ghirlandaio, an artist of the Renaissance that worked in Florence. He was born in 1449 and died in … [Read more...] about Domenico Ghirlandaio: Florentine artist, teacher to Michelangelo
Dreaming of pasta dishes: Pasta Carbonara & Tagliatelle Paglia & Fieno
This afternoon, being particularly hungry, I thought it would be fun to talk about some pasta recipes I am dreaming of at the moment! Two dishes come readily to mind! The first is Pasta Carbonara. Hands down this is my favorite pasta to prepare. It is pure comfort food. This is traditionally … [Read more...] about Dreaming of pasta dishes: Pasta Carbonara & Tagliatelle Paglia & Fieno
Marilyn Ricci – Moves to Italy and realizes her dream!
I am pleased to feature Marilyn Ricci of "Take Me Home Italy” on the Dreaming Sophia Blog site! Marilyn is the first to share a dream she is turning into reality! If you would like to share your dream too write Melissa at: Melissa@DreamingSophiaBook.com Here is Marilyn's story: Tanti anni fa, many … [Read more...] about Marilyn Ricci – Moves to Italy and realizes her dream!
Do you have a dream to share? Share your story and turn dreams into reality
I am so delighted that you are here and that you are following the Dreaming Sophia Blog! That tells me that you are a dreamer like me and that you have a passion for art and Italy and adventure. Do you also have a dream you would like to turn into reality? For many years I had a secret desire. It … [Read more...] about Do you have a dream to share? Share your story and turn dreams into reality
Buon Compleanno Michelangelo: Celebrating the Renaissance artist born March 6
Today, March 6, we are celebrating the birth of Michelangelo, one of the prominent luminaries of Renaissance art. He was a sculpture, poet, and painter. He was considered by his peers to the greatest living artist during his lifetime, and since then he has been noted as one of the best-known artists … [Read more...] about Buon Compleanno Michelangelo: Celebrating the Renaissance artist born March 6
Inside Scoop Radio Interview with Melissa Muldoon
Recently I was interviewed by Sheri Hoyt for the “Inside Scoop” Radio show. Inside Scoop is a podcast featuring live interviews with authors who get personal about their books, writing and topics they care about. I enjoyed chatting with Sheri and sharing with listeners more about my new novel … [Read more...] about Inside Scoop Radio Interview with Melissa Muldoon
Carnival delights in Venice: The Doge’s Ball – Sophia’s dream comes true!
The magic of Carnival has arrived! This year (2017) the holiday lasts from Saturday, February 11 until Saturday, February 25. It is the period that precedes Lent and concludes with Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. At this time of year, all of Italy comes alive with costumes, masks, parades … [Read more...] about Carnival delights in Venice: The Doge’s Ball – Sophia’s dream comes true!
Love letters from Juliet
(To read this in Italian visit the Studentessa Matta website) Verona has long been considered “the” city of love based on several literary traditions. It is, after all, the fabled setting of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. There you will find Juliet’s house and tomb. You will also find … [Read more...] about Love letters from Juliet
Italian legend: Giorni della merla – Blackbird days Coldest days of year
The month of January is slipping away. It is almost already over. Time is flying by but not the cold! Even if we are on the threshold of February, we are still in the middle of winter. There is a cold that just sinks into your bones and makes you wonder if summer will ever arrive. I was on Skype … [Read more...] about Italian legend: Giorni della merla – Blackbird days Coldest days of year
Dreaming Sophia Florence Art Program with Author Melissa Muldoon Sept 2017 (13-17)
Discover Florence through the eyes of an artist! Follow in the footsteps of Sophia, the protagonist of Melissa Muldoon’s novel “Dreaming Sophia” Florence, Italy Dreaming Sophia Art Program 4 Days & 4 Nights - Maximum 8 people (couples & solo travelers) September 13-17, 2017 2 Program … [Read more...] about Dreaming Sophia Florence Art Program with Author Melissa Muldoon Sept 2017 (13-17)
Sophia Loren gets her hands dirty in Hollywood!
Sometimes the rise to the top in Hollywood isn't always easy. At times you even have to get your hands a little dirty! Take for instance tinsel town's famous tradition of immortalizing its brightest stars by having them place their hands AND feet in bed of wet cement! Even Sophia Loren placed her … [Read more...] about Sophia Loren gets her hands dirty in Hollywood!
