More From Ravello

[endlessrarities]

Sorry about last night's silence.  Virgin seemed to be down, for some unknown reason.  Which is a bit outrageous, considering they charge an exorbitant monthly fee for the use of their broadband.

So without further ado, let's cut to the chase and introduce the first of two features from the Cathedral of Ravello which clinched its place as No. 1 Monument of the Sorrento holiday.

It's the first of two ambos which stand within the nave, built in 1130 at the behest of Costantino Rogadeo, second bisop of Ravello.  This particular ambo was used for the reading of the epistles, and it features some stunning mosaic work:-

 

And a close-up of one of the sea-beasts on the front panel.  The scene represents Jonah getting swallowed by the 'whale', which in this case seems like quite a jolly creature, and not at all terrifying:-

 

You will also note the delicate little bird at the side, not to mention the complexity of all the borders.  I could have stared at this thing all day, and not got bored, and this was the less flamboyant of the two. 

The other ambo will be introduced tomorrow (Virgin Media permitting) and it's so good, that I'll be giving it a couple of posts in its own right.

I can't wait!!!

Comments

[veronica-milvus.livejournal.com]

I've enjoyed these posts and I particularly like this Draggon!

[endlessrarities.livejournal.com]

The artwork is very stylised and naive - it reminds me of early medieval art from the UK - Pictish, 'Celtic' and the like. COnsidering the Italian bronzes of an almost contemporary period are extremely naturalistic, the contrast is incredible.

Oh, and tomorrow's ambo knocks this one for six, and that's really saying something!!!

[puddleshark.livejournal.com]

'Celtic' That's it... That whale has almost a Book of Kells feel. Just stunning.

[technophobe1975.livejournal.com]

I actually read that bit as being for "the beheading of the apostles".
Perhaps my eyes need testing!

[endlessrarities.livejournal.com]

I blame your stressful workplace:-)

[bellakara.livejournal.com]

Hope the internet problems subside. The mosaic work in those photos is absolutely beautiful!

[endlessrarities.livejournal.com]

Isn't it? The photos just can't do it justice.

[bunn.livejournal.com]

Wow, that's gorgeous! I particularly like the little wings and the colours. Definitely created by someone who absolutely had never seen a whale!

[endlessrarities.livejournal.com]

I'm smugly awaiting the enthusiastic responses to its counterpart. Heh, heh!!

[dark-phoenix54.livejournal.com]

The sea monster does indeed look jolly- he looks like something from "Where the Wild Things Are"!

[gghost.livejournal.com]

The mosaic work is exquisite indeed. Thank you for sharing it.

[red-trillium.livejournal.com]

These are beautiful, great mosaic work!