Experience Sicily

Category: Art

  • An Ancient Golden Platter In Sicily

    The extraordinary Phiale Aurea (or gold platter) of Caltavuturo (a village at the foot of the Madonie mountains of Palermo province) was created by an exceptional Greek goldsmith between the late 4th century/early 3rd century BCE. A bowl such as this one pictured was used during religious rites in ancient times for libations and offerings…

  • Let’s Dream of Sicily Tonight

    Join me tonight online! Although we can’t travel yet, Let’s Dream of Traveling to Sicily… Staring at 7:30PM Eastern I’ll give a presentation via Zoom during which I’ll discuss the highlights of traveling in the region, insider tips, and hold “Office Hours” to answer your questions. So, let’s muse of the views of what will…

  • Reflecting On The Unconscious In Sicily

    Villa Palagonia or the “Villa of the Monsters,” built in the 18th century, was visited by German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in 1787. He described it as a place filled with “elements of madness,” because to him, its decor was a grotesque expression of the unconscious (And he’s right!). Certainly, in the late 18th…

  • Dancing In Piazza Armerina

    Waving a red scarf, this woman depicted in the Room of the Dance at the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina wears a decorative dress, elegant jewelry (note her bangles), and red shoes. She’s even sporting a cat eye makeup style! I like this woman! Archeologists think this 3rd/4th century C.E. mosaic was inspired…

  • Three Irresistible Sisters In Ancient Sicily

    Years ago, when I first saw a photo of this terracotta Gorgon, I thought it was Mayan! But no, it’s ancient Greek-Sicilian, from the 6th century BC, and it was found in Siracusa. Archaeologists know it was part of a relief–not much more is known about it; however, it gives me a chance to tell…

  • Seeking Guidance In Siracusa

    Observing the beauty and wisdom of the Madonna at an altar in Siracusa (Photo Credit: Chiara Musumeci Fotografia)

  • From Cybele To The Black Madonna Of Tindari

    These later days of summer during the harvest time are when Sicilians celebrate the Madonna, or “our lady,” the mother, with great reverence — in other words, our planet, Mother Earth. The dark, fertile earth provides for us and gives us sustenance, and since ancient times, throughout the Mediterranean, the spirit of the giving goddess…

  • Persephone, The Goddess Of The Underworld, And Sicily

    Persephone is the daughter of the great goddess Demeter and the Goddess of the Underworld. Here she is as interpreted during the 2019 Arches of Easter in San Biagio Platani (Agrigento). (Yes, this art is made with beans and other natural elements!) During these last weeks of summer, she is preparing for her annual return…

  • Borgo Parrini, A Slice Of Barcelona In Sicily

    This summer Sicilians have been discovering Sicily in their effort to stay safe and close to home. With that in mind, many are enjoying the eclectic creativity of Borgo Parrini, a tiny neighborhood of the town of Partinico, which you’ll find a few miles west of Palermo. Originally developed in the 16th century by the…