How Does Donatello Tell the Story of the Annunciation

Painting/Sculpture Essay- Ronan Carey Donatello, originally known as Donato, was given the name Donatello by his relatives and thus, wrote it that way on many of his works, was born in Florence in the year 1386. A gifted artist, he was not only an excellent sculptor and a marvellous statuary, but also prevalent in stucco, an able master of perspective, and a greatly admired architect who worked in virtually every medium possible during his long career, marble, bronze, low relief, pietra serena (dark stone), and even wood .And according to Vasari in his â€Å"Lives of the Artists†: â€Å"his works showed so much grace, design, and excellence, that they were held to approach more nearly to the marvellous works of the ancient Greeks and Romans than those of any other craftsman whatsoever. † The piece that shall be discussed in this essay is the work considered by many to be Donatello’s most important work in pietra serena, the â€Å"Annunciation (c. 1435)† fo r the Cavalcanti tabernacle, in the Santa Croce Chapel, Florence.The entire piece is 218cmx268cm, and is an architectural sculpture that takes the place of an altar in a family chapel, located in the right aisle of the Chapel following the renovation of the Original church and destruction of the original Chapel by Vasari. The Annunciation itself is a biblical scene that refers to moment in which the angel Gabriel delivers the news to Mary that she is to bear the child of Christ. In the Bible, the Annunciation is narrated in the book of Luke, Luke 1:26-38: Luke 1:26 and in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed ‘art' thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind wha t manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and ring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David. It was the skill of Donatello to translate this scene into a sculpture so vibrant and powerful that generation after generation would look upon it and understand the power and significance of the depiction. According to Joachim Poeschke, author of â€Å"Donatello and his World†, like Leonardo da Vinci, Donatello felt that â€Å"the Distance between the viewer and the action had to be overcome in the emotional sense as well as the visual†.It is this mentality that causes the work of Donatello to sweep a viewer up and allow them to feel in the midst of the action, He did not have to â€Å"rely on realistic effects to create such brilliance but rather focus on his own imagination and creative control over his piece†. However, in this piece, Donatello does actually create a harmoniously realistic rendering of such a miraculous and often over-exaggerated scene. So how exactly does Donatello tell the story?Well the strength of the piece lies in its choice of subjects, their depiction, and the complex emotional brevity he applies to their story. The sculpture itself is carved from a single stone of pietra serena, a typically dark stone that is often avoided by sculptors for its monotony in tone and contrast but in the hands of Donatello he used exquisite gold gilding to create a rich and sensuous appeal to the carving. The gold would have glimmered high above the parishioners in the candlelight of the otherwise dark Franciscan church, notable for its one large external rose window.It is important to note the fact that the parishioners would have been looking up at the elevated sculpture as it plays a paramount role in our understanding of its depiction. Donatello used foreshortening in his rendering of Mary to the extent that on ground level, her right leg appears slightly shorter than it would be if it was anatomically correct. An article in â€Å"The Florentine† magazine by Jane Fortune discusses how this foreshortening allows the figures to stand out in what appears to be a much higher relief than one would expect. However, as Bonnie A. Bennett and David G.Wilkins say in â€Å"Donatello†, the use of a richly patterned and gilded background immediately behind the figures prevents the illusion of further depth, but this restricted spatial effect is very appropriate for Donatello’s annunciation as it architecturally justifies his omission of several iconic elements of the annunciation scene. If we look at the figures presented we see only the Angel Gabriel and Virgin Mary and her lyre back chair. It was common practice in the history of art in 15th Century t o depict Mary and surrounding with numerous symbols to increase the abject legitimacy of the art.Some of these elements include Mary reading or holding a book to display knowledge and wisdom, a lily for purity, a lectern for the word of God or a dove to show the Holy Spirit. In Donatello’s rendering of the Annunciation, however, there are none of these icons save for the Virgins’ book but there is also no loggia, no view into the virgin’s bedchamber, and no symbolic walled garden to represent her virginity. Florence’s museums and churches abound with portrayals that at times seem overcrowded with symbolism and icons to inform a viewer of the theological importance of the scene they are witnessing.Donatello has chosen to do with away with any imagery that may cloud the focus on the Virgin and Gabriel to allow a viewer to become swept up in the complex story at hand. These omissions only prove to make what Donatello has actually included all the more essent ial. If we look at how exactly he has illustrated the angel Gabriel we see that he has chosen the moment when Gabriel has literally just entered the room, his large, deep wings are still unfurled in manner that suggest he has only landed this very second to deliver his news.His drapery and ribbons are swept back behind him to accentuate this idea of swift movement and he appears to genuflect on one knee instead as he comes to a landing with his mouth slightly agape in the act of addressing the virgin. Donatello is transmitting the idea of the power and meaningfulness behind what Gabriel has to say. The Madonna herself is in a pose not usually seen up until that point in art history. According to Gerald S. Davies in the Burlington Magazine, â€Å"She is arrested at the precise moment when it expresses the most completely a condition of mental emotion†.She has been caught whilst reading a book; it is still held firmly in her grasp. We can tell she has just risen at the appearan ce of the angel as she has turned by impulse to leave, clearly taken aback by this miraculous apparition. Her right knee, already bent to take the first step, tells us this. Her left foot is planted firmly on the ground and is yet to be moved. With her right hand she is briskly yet still gracefully clasping for her mantle, which suggests it has fallen from her shoulders as she leapt up in commotion but also confirms that she is accepting of the Angel’s news as she places her hand on her heart.All of these subtle movements come together to express an emotional experience of hearing the message of an angel. Her face is turned downwards in a gracious pose reminiscent of Greek classical sculpture that places it almost completely in profile and away from the direction she is apparently walking. This one look, alone, tells us that what she is hearing is clearly an encapsulating and spellbinding message. In conclusion, Donatello has created something truly special in his depiction o f the Annunciation.His omission of several elements in this much re-created scene gave it its own individual appearance and personality, and although it is clearly indebted to the high-relief Greek classical sculptures of Donatello’s favour, it still remains utterly contemporary and even forward thinking in terms of renaissance sculpture. He has taken an otherwise difficult and unspectacular medium, pietra serena, and bent it to his will to create a spectacular piece of ecclesiastical sculpture.His contemporaries would have been so impressed by this work for its sheer courage if nothing else, Donatello did away with traditional conventions for the sake of expressing more genuine emotional in his art. His ability to allow the three essential elements of the story to occur simultaneously, that of the angel’s arrival and the virgin’s shock, his message being delivered, and Mary’s eventual acceptance, is what elevates this work of stone into another level of artistic expression for its time that would have amazed his contemporaries as well as the average citizens of Florence.References: Donatello- Bonnie A. Bennett and David G. Wilkins (pg. 32/147/148) Joachim Poeschke- Donatello and his world (pg. 32/56) Jane Fortune- Variation on a theme: Annunciation- The Florentine-published June 28, 2007 Giorgio Vasari- the lives of the Artists Tuscany Arts- Looking at Donatello’s Annunciation Gerald S. Davies – A Sidelight on Donatello’s Annunciation- The Burlington Magazine- published 1908

House On Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

Sandra Cisneros Mango Street is a alone narrative about a deprived immature Chicana miss, Esperanza, who grows up in a hapless vicinity where she feels she does non belong. She does non wish what she experiences, and invariably hunts for a new hereafter. As Esperanza grows and alterations throughout the book, she realizes that adult females in her civilization are treated below the belt, and makes a witting pick non to fall into the same trap as the adult females around her. The adult females in Esperanza ‘s vicinity are held surety within their ain credence of an unfair cultural destiny. For illustration, Minerva who is merely small spot older than Esperanza is largely found praying for better fortune and a happier life. While praying for happier life she stills lets her hubby take advantage of her, and this sets an unhappy and atrocious life. Minerva knows that her hubby is non truly sorry but she still forgives him. For illustration, there is a twenty-four hours when Minerva had sufficiency of her hubby so out the door he goes but subsequently through the twenty-four hours he is regretful for his action and every bit much as Minerva is forgiving, she lets her hubby back in the house accepting his apology cognizing it will go on once more. She thought matrimony was traveling to be a manner out from unwanted life but alternatively it has the same features. Without contending for a satisfactory life she settles with the manus she is dealt. In this novel there is another character name Sally. She is an guiltless friend of Esperanza. Sally tries to get away her male parent ‘s barbarous whippings through matrimony, but her fortunes do non alter. Sally hubby still treats her as her male parent treated her in yesteryear. For illustration, he wo n't allow her speak on the phone, he does non allow her look out the window and he does non like her friends. Sally friends can non see her unless her hubby is at work. First, Sally ‘s male parent controlled her and now it is her hubby. She thinks that she is get awaying when in world she is merely giving the tether to person else. Sally chose the easiest manner out of her life which she thought was matrimony, without thought of her hereafter. In this novel there are mistreatments which lead some of the characters into another life of the letdown and their unhappy effects, believing that there is no way-out. Esperanza will non accept and is determined to get the better of the unjust destiny instructed on the adult females in her household, such as her great grandma. Esperanza references in the novel that she does non like her name that was given after her grandma and she would baptise herself to acquire a different name that would stand for a existent her and no 1 else. Harmonizing to Hispanic household the names are passed down the coevals without pick. Esperanza negotiations about â€Å" I have inherited her name, but I do n't desire to inherit her topographic point by the window † ( Cisneros Pg.11 ) . Esperanza does non desire to populate a life of unhappiness. Esperanza knows that she does non desire to stop up like her great grandma. Esperanza grandma had no pick but to get married without her being able to do determination for it. She was trapped by a adult male who â€Å" threw a poke over her caput and carried her off † ( Cisneros Pg. 11 ) . After this incident her great grandma looked out the window her whole life like so many adult females sit their unhappiness on their cubitus. Esperanza admirations if her grandma made the best of what she got or was she sorry because she could non be all the things she wanted to be. She searches for a way that would take her out of the rhythm that has captured her great grandma and so many adult females around her. In â€Å" Boys & A ; Girls † chapter it talks about how in Esperanza ‘s vicinity male childs and misss can non socialise with each other because it is known that male childs and misss are from different universes. For illustration, Esperanza could speak to her brothers at place but outside place they can non be seen speaking to each other. In add-on, towards the terminal of the book, Esperanza feels a demand to come b ack and help those who are unable to go forth, because she is positive that her destiny will alter. â€Å" One twenty-four hours I will state adieu to Mango. I am excessively strong for her to maintain me here everlastingly. One twenty-four hours I will travel off. They will non cognize I have gone off to come back. For the 1s, I left behind. For the 1s who can non acquire out † ( Cisneros Pg. 110 ) . In decision, Esperanza experiences the suffering faces of the adult females around her, she is certain that traveling through this life experience and acquisition procedure will take her life to a positive result. She believes the lone manner out of her vicinity and unjust intervention in the Hispanic community would be by educating and composing. Esperanza does non merely take the right way of willingness to contend for a nicer life but she adapts to her milieus and builds her ain assurance so that she can assist the other adult females around her bash good. Esperanza is a really strong and determined adult female in herself and she is able to carry through her dream of a better hereafter. Esperanza ends are non to bury and accomplish the freedom together. Esperanza wants the adult females in her civilization to go stronger, independent and she is determined to make so.

There is no particular topic, there are 6 questions and the guidelines Assignment

There is no particular topic, there are 6 questions and the guidelines for the , all the questions and guide lines are - Assignment Example Meso economic environment is that environment where the business operates but has limited influence over. Macro-economic environment, on the other hand, include factors that impact an organization, but the organization have no direct control. Understanding these factors is very important for an organization since it makes it possible for an organization to take advantage of the opportunities available and minimize the risks that an organization may encounter. Conducting PESTEL analysis entails scanning these environments to spot and understand the broad and future trends (Burgemeister 2003, p. 13). PESTEL analysis acts as a useful tool for understanding the business environment in which an organization is operating. For example, PESTEL analysis helps organization understand risks associated with market growth or decline. This is important because it help an organization in making a decision as to whether to venture in a given market or not. For instance, before newspaper business can venture in the British newspaper industry, it is crucial for that company to conduct a PEST analysis. The analysis will help the company have a good understanding of the British newspaper industry in light of the politics at play, economic situation, socio-cultural, technological and environmental issues involved. If the PEST analysis shows the British environment to be conducive for business, then the company can go ahead to establish a business in the country, otherwise the company will stop making such a move to avoid risks revealed by the PEST analysis (Burgemeister 2003, p. 15). PEST analysis also acts as a useful business orientation tool. In this regard, PEST is used to establish when the organization or product is with regard to what is taking place outside that might affect activities taking place inside an organization at some point in time (Burgemeister 2003, p. 15). PEST analysis for the British newspaper industry Political Britain is one of the countries that enjoy str ong political stability in the country. The political stability enjoyed in the country has created a conducive environment for doing business. The newspaper industry, in particular, has enjoyed growth in Britain due to political stability. In fact, the British government usually promotes the growth of newspaper since it is used as a means of communicating with the people. Nevertheless, there has been growing move by politicians and celebrities in the country to have control of newspapers. This follows a recent Royal Charter that proposed a regulation of the newspaper industry (IBISWorld 2013). This kind of political interference is posing real danger to the industry that has enjoyed freedom for decades. Despite the move by politicians to regulate the industry, the future of the newspaper industry in the country remains bright. Economical British is one of the countries that have suffered most from the financial crisis accompanied by recession that rocked the country in 2007. The new spaper industry is among the sectors that have been worse hit by the recession. The financial crisis in the country saw many people lose their jobs and the prices of basic commodities skyrocketed due to inflation. This has since resulted in a decline in the number of newspaper consumers in the U.K. Research shows that a majority of those who used to buy newspapers

Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes Mellitus Case Study

Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes Mellitus - Case Study Example In early diabetes mellitus, it has been stated that the ability of muscles to take up and utilize glucose are decreased by more than 50 percent. A major effect of glucagon occurs next in the pathology when it stimulates the release of excessive glucose from the live. Also, it is known that fat tissues in the body are resistant to the effects of insulin and they release free fatty acids which are a major contributor in the development of insulin resistant (Byrne, 2011). The release of free fatty acids from dysfunctional fat cells leads to increased insulin resistance. Adipocytes also release certain chemical mediator which act on the pancreatic beta cells and deteriorate their function. On the other hand it is a well-known fact that insulin has a lipolytic effect i.e. it causes breakdown of additional fatty tissues in the body and avoids accumulation of fat in the body. In type 2 diabetes mellitus patients who are already obese, insulin resistance develops over time and leads to deterioration of the function of beta cells of pancreas. Free fatty acids produced by adipocytes are transferred to the liver where they act on liver cells and inhibit the formation of glycogen from glucose. This results in the release of high levels of glucose from the liver. Early stages of the disease see high levels of insulin and high levels of blood glucose at the same time however the with decreased functional capacity of beta cells and their destruction in the course of the disease, blood levels of insulin decrease. This decrease in the levels of insulin leads to the accumulation of fat in the body and causes abdominal obesity (Byrne, 2011). Microvascular changes are of profound importance in type 2 diabetes mellitus since they can lead to fatal consequences. One of the major causes behind these microvascular changes is continuous hypertension in type 2 diabetes. Hypertension is caused by loss of the ability of

Analysis and Application of a Clinical Practice Essay

Analysis and Application of a Clinical Practice - Essay Example These guidelines were designed to provide transportation agencies and Road Safety Audit teams with a enhanced understanding of the safety of bicycle cyclists in the context of the cycling environment. These guidelines were also planned to nurture a secure environment for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians while using the road. The Bicycle safety Guidelines are cyclist specific guides that present road users personnel with safety elements they should consider when using the road. Even though the writers have exhausted every resource to be comprehensive as they could, people using these guidelines should keep in mind that conditions fluctuate from place to place and extra precautions should be learned that may not be handled in this documented. Not every recommendation in these guidelines is applicable in each situation. Transport in NSW will work with key stakeholders such as Bicycle NSW, the Amy Gillett Foundation, and Cycling NSW on the development of policies and programs that will be accepted within the cycling community. At the same time, Transport in NSW will work with other road user groups to ensure broader acceptance across the wider community. The NSW Government will work with Local Councils to ensure the road environment where cycling occurs is designed and managed using a safer systems approach. This article was based on bicycle crash statistics; which provide trends and an overview of the need to provide more cyclist friendly environment on the highway and streets. Moreover a comprehensive qualitative research was done to identify the major problems that contribute to laxity in bicycle safety. A random sampling study was done where 4,388 families comprising 11,753 people were arbitrarily picked out. The study brought out that a major contributor to bicycle accidents were from hits by motorists. The survey discovered that either the bicyclist does not pick up the oncoming

Biblical Exegetical Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Biblical Exegetical - Research Paper Example The apostles could see Jesus transfigure into another form, a great light which covered Jesus Christ and there was a voice that came from the sky. The apostles could see each and every thing during this process and they were afraid to see bright lights everywhere and they lay on the ground but Jesus went to them and told them not to worry as this is the blessing of the God. This verse also means that the God wanted to show his blessings on Jesus in front of the apostles so that faith of apostles can get more strong and augmented. The apostles were also benefited from the transfiguration process because of the fact that there were two prophets with them, Moses and Elijah and the apostles saw that both the prophets were not given the transfiguration light at the moment. The verse also means that God can do anything he wants in front of naked human eye and there is no limitation to his glory. The other part of the verse is explaining the brightness of the light that covered Jesus Face. The light was so bright and powerful that the apostles could not bear it with their naked eye and they had to lay down. The verse explains that the transfiguration did not change the face of the Jesus rather there was bright light depicting the great glory and blessing of God. The light which also covered the clothes was clearly visible on the face and though the face was not changed but there were clearly signs of glory and holy light. Their surroundings were also lit by this light and everything was clearly visible due to this light despite of the night time. Raiment in Latin means snow and this word is used to depict and explain the massive white color of holy light that lit all the garments of the Jesus and the light darted through his flesh. All his clothes and whole body were covered under the bright white light that was coming from the sky. Mark says that the Latin word used for snow means that everything was just like the color of snow. It does not mean that snow began to su rface physically rather it is a symbolic term used here to explain the people about the factual scene. The raiment was white and snow and the light was continually coming from the sky thus making a scene worth being blessed with eternal glory. Other commentators and theologians are also of the view that the garments were there on the body of the Jesus and everything was same as before but when the transfiguration started, everything looked new and blessed because of the holy light. The raiment can also depict the flesh and physical body of Jesus because many narrations show that all this physical body and skin were covered in light and his skin was shining like snow so there can be different interpretations of this text. Commentaries The commenter Adman Clarke says in the commentary of the Mathew 17:2 that this verse explains the transfiguration process and first it affirms that Jesus was transfigured which is a great historical events and one of the miracles of Jesus Christ -He say s that this verse explains the completeness and fullness of the God who is deity or worship by the human beings that how God can turn everything over and show the miracles wherever He wants. The light on the mountain during the transfiguration , As said it Mathew 16:16, Peter had already confessed the divinity of Jesus Christ before coming to the mountain so this light dwelt and elevated the level of faith of all the apostles in Jesus (Clarke, 175). There is also a great connection between the transfigura

The Challenges and Benefits of a Multicultural Curriculum Essay

The Challenges and Benefits of a Multicultural Curriculum - Essay Example Multicultural education as an international educational reform movement has attracted researchers, experts from different fields, and policy-makers. Immigration and the experiences of migrants are common across many first world nations, such as the United States, and the more affluent European Nations (Ramsey, Williams & Vold., 2003, p. 5). Research has shown that a more proactive stance in addressing the issues have significantly increased the performance level and achievement ratings of the migrant students in schools. Despite the challenges that are encountered in embracing the multicultural approach, the benefits are remarkable and exemplary which will be discussed in the succeeding sections of the paper. In discussing multicultural education, three terms are often used and easily confused: race, ethnicity and culture. The race is referred to the â€Å"biological and genetic traits that distinguish one among populations that have originated from different regions†. Histori cally, races have been classified according to three major groups --- Caucasoid, Negro and Mongloid. Although there has been no scientific basis, racial categories are continuously defined by social, economic and political forces. In turn, the races influence the social status and life prospects of families and individuals. Ethnicity, on the other hand, refers to â€Å"primarily sociological or anthropological characteristics such as customs, religious practices, and language usage of a group of people with a shared ancestry or origin†.

The Exodus and Yahwehs Relationship with the Hebrews Essay

The Exodus and Yahwehs Relationship with the Hebrews - Essay Example This was instrumental in the creation of the country of Israel. The Zionist movement derived its inspiration from the Exodus that is described in the Old Testament of The Holy Bible. This then becomes the point in history that provided the Jews with an incident to look up to and a precedent to live up to. This paper shall look at the different aspects of this historical connection and the relationship that Yahweh had with the Hebrews. According to Rabbi Irving Greenberg, the main aspect of the importance of the Exodus is the fact that it can be connected to the modern secular concept of upliftment. The Jewish idea of liberation from Exodus can be applied, according to him, to the modern concepts of economics that seek to look at development and justice for the poor and the weak. This is exactly what God had attempted to do during the Exodus. The Exodus had provided an opportunity for the poor and the weak to migrate from a tyrannical Egypt to the Promised Land where they could then a ttain a standard of living that would be humane and just. The idea of justice is thus, what God promises in return for faith. Greenberg’s ideas are a bit far-fetched in as much as they equate faith and economics. However, it is also true that the ideas of empowerment of the weak are present in both modern economics and the ideas of religious justice. The Exodus is remembered in present times through acting out the exodus in one’s own life.... In this sense, the exodus has a greater significance. It can also be seen in a metaphorical sense whereby the exodus becomes a movement for personal fulfillment and personal empowerment. This then also becomes for the Jews of the present, a call to create a better world. It becomes a call to utopia in the world, in the way that the God of the Old Testament envisaged it. The collective action of the Exodus is then looked upon using the lens of personal religious involvement. The conflation of the personal and the religious then becomes an important part of the observance of the remembrance of the Exodus. Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, during the Exodus, made it clear that he would provide protection to them during their movement from Egypt to the land that he had promised them (Berit). This concept of the protection of Yahweh always being present is then an important part of the life of a Jew even in present times. The basis of the Zionist movement has remained this implicit faith in the protection that would be offered by god to the people who have faith in him. The people who migrated to what is today known as Israel too had in them this faith. They were confident of the promise that Yahweh had made to them. Their identity was based largely upon this promise and this bound all Jews into one group. This then has been instrumental in the creation of an identity for the Jews of modern times in different parts of the world. The importance of this lies in the fact that a moment in history that had passed much earlier is held up as important for the creation of the identity of a later generation. The religious significance of the Exodus and the relationship between the Hebrews and Yahweh lies in the bond that is created between

Representation Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Representation - Term Paper Example One organization that has come out to create diabetes awareness through commercials is Ispot TV. This is a company located in New York and its main mission is offering real time commercial television advertisements on a number of fields such as business, sports and health (â€Å"Ispot TV’). The study seeks to relay how Ispot TV creates diabetes awareness through commercials in addition offering medication guidelines and how to curb the menace. The main objective of Ispot TV is advertising of television commercials in real time to the public. Recently, the company has focused most of its attention on diabetes campaign because according to research, the disease is causing many deaths annually hence it is important for companies like Ispot TV and other organizations to step in and boost diabetes awareness campaign. This has been made possible due to the company’s vast experience in technology. Through technology, the company has eased the way in which information is relayed to people, for instance, through television sets and websites (â€Å"Ispot TV†). According to a recent diabetes commercial by Ispot TV, diabetes cannot be detected by physically staring at someone because it is internal (â€Å"Ispot TV†). The commercial, which is both in audio and visual form features Bret Michaels among other people, goes ahead to reveal that diabetes affects everybody irrespective of one’s age, gender or race . In the commercial, a number of diabetes victims talk about diabetes and how they are battling the disease on a daily basis. The victims, including Bret Michaels go on to state that nations ought to join the American diabetes association in the move to eradicate diabetes. American Diabetes Association is an organization in Alexandria whose main goal is not only eradicating diabetes but also ensuring that diabetes victims receive proper