“Campanile di Giotto” oil on canvas - 50cm x 150cm - private collection - ©️Matthew Holden Bates, Firenze, Italia
I have lived in Firenze since 1992, in that time I have come to appreciate the unbelievable architectural masterpieces that are abound in this city. They are even more remarkable considering that they are from the Renaissance which is over 500 years ago. The Duomo is one of the highlights of any trip to Italy, I still stare at the marble inlay and allow my eyes to wander up up up all the way to the top, looking at the details that never end.
“Campanile di Giotto” top detail
One of the ways that I have learned how to appreciate the incredible details of Florence’s architecture is by painting them. When I have to reproduce the actual details, I get to see what is there in a whole new light. It is amazing how much detail we do not see until we are presented with the task of reproducing them.
“Campanile di Giotto” middle detail
“Campanile di Giotto” bottom detail
Actual photo of the top of the Campanile di Giotto, showing curious designs that look like crop circles.
One of the things I noticed while I was painting this tower was that there are curious designs and symbols near the top of the building. I have no idea what these designs are, but they look a lot like crop circles. It is very strange. There are many of these Mandela like designs on the Duomo. If anyone knows about their meaning or history I would be very interested to hear about it.
Details of designs found on the facade of the Campanile di Giotto reminiscent of crop circles.
This painting was painted from the bottom up, I started with the street and all of the people, then worked my way up the building, one day at a time. It remains one of my all time favorites, and I am glad that it found a happy home in a private collection.
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http://www.mattbates.net
This painting is available as a limited edition print at curioos:
https://www.curioos.com/product/print/campanile-di-giotto
I look forward to reading your comments! Have a great day! 😀