Let's Not Make This Awkward..

Because I am Catholic; However, I always find it very interesting to learn of my religion's past.  This reason being one of the reasons I find this class interesting - so far, everything ties to Catholicism in some way.  And, even though we talked about the split on Monday, it all brings us right back to where we started.  About that split.. the (with passion) Protestant Reformation.. psst, apparently it was more of a schism. We talked about the Church's problems - greed, worldly political power, controversy over sale of indulgences.. and the list goes on and on.  Basically, as with any reformation, everything is a problem.  I found the controversy over the sales of indulgences to be quite intriguing.  Actually, the whole concept of indulgences is bewildering.  Granted, the Pope has extreme power - but to sign off on someone forever?  What happened to forgiveness?  I didn't live during this time, so the whole idea kind of escapes me.. And to sale indulgences?  Especially for dead people?  C'mon.  That just sounds wrong when you say it.  Again, I wouldn't understand.  So I know the Church had problems, who doesn't?  And who knows, maybe the Protestant Reformation is the best thing to ever happen to us.  But, what would the world be like if there was religious unity?  I guess we will never know..
Until next time.

Not East, West, or South.. but Northern Renaissance.

When I think of Renaissance, I tend to think of Italy.  The artists and individuals you tend to hear about during this time period are Italian, which would lead to the generalization.  However, this week in class focused on a Renaissance occuring in another part on the compass, which was in the North.  Albrecht Dürer was somewhat of a phenomenom.  His art and meaning behind his work spoke wonders to the Renaissance occuring around him.  I found his self portraits to be exceptionally mind boggling - the way he painted himself straight on and to appear like Christ was a very career changing painting.  Another aspect of this Renaissance I found to be extremely intriguing was the concept of printing materials.  It never occured to me that these artists only had one original painting, to which only one individual purchased.  In today's society, prints are found all over the world.  In the days of Albrecht Dürer, however, this idea was only first developing.  The printing of his paintings defined him as an artist, an idea that was new at the time.  However, I am extremely please these printings were created and duplicated - otherwise, Starry Night by van Gogh would not be hanging above my bed as we speak :)

A Day in the Life of a Medici..

I cannot decide if being born a Medici is either a doom or a destiny.  I mean, it only takes a smidge of blood, apparently, to change your life forever.  I keep thinking how the power of a last name isn't the same as it used to be.  What would be the closest to modern Medici's?  The Kennedy's?  Each Medici's life has been laced with good luck and bad luck, and it seems that it doesn't matter the order.  How in the heck can one family go through so much?  However, I think that Cosimo de'Medici is really something.  To be pulled from a simple life and be expected to be a duke?  C'mon.  The fact is, most people would fail with this task.  Maybe it's the Medici blood in him.  I don't know.  Either way, he pulled it off.  I loved the way he and the other man restored the hand to the statue of David.  Not only wa it a symbol for something long lost, but it also helped establish the way in which Cosimo was going to lead Florence.  And because of this, Cosimo wins my vote for fave Medici.  Granted I don't know all of the Medici's, and only an odd few, he beats the others I know.  I thoroughly enjoyed the Medici videos we watched during this course.  They were some of my favorite movies I've ever watched for school.  I almost enjoyed them as much as I enjoyed my Friday in the sun :)
Until next time..

Medici

In class last week, we watched a video about the Medici family in Italy.  Wow, talk about a crazy life.  To go from being exiled to being the Pope - can it get any more drastic that that?  I am mostly Italian, so it was very interesting to learn a little history about Italy.  It seemed as if the Medici's were a big deal in Italy for quite some time.  As far as Pope-ness goes, maybe Leo didn't have the right qualities.  He liked to party and be popular, who can blame the guy?  Well, besides the fact this "guy" was the Pope, I guess I can understand why the Cardinal's got so fussy.  But to go as far as plan a secret murder?  The video said that the Cardinal's devised a plan to murder Leo, but what I was wondering was if his cousin, being a Cardinal, knew about the plan and that's who told Leo about it.  I mean, it makes sense, right?  And did he really have a stand-in to get murdered instead?  I always imagine what it would be like to live during those times.  Your Pope, who you used to despise, is throwing a never ending party in the Vatican, and then he dies.  From a cold.  Bummer. 
I really wish we could have finished the video, or started from the beginning.  The story line was extremely interesting, especially with the story of the artists during that time period thrown in the mix.  I will be excited to read more of The Prince, which I would like to read from a satirical stand point.
Until next time..