My One Wish before July 8, 2007
Is to go this exhibit at the Met in NY: Venice and the Islamic World, 828–1797!!!
Ever since I read Edward Muir's Civic Ritual in Renaissance Venice, I've been inspired as an historian and enthralled by La Serenissima.
In 2004, I had a day to blow in Venice, and not enough money to check my huge suitcase at the airport much less ride public transportation, so I walked along the alleyways, along canals, heaving my suitcase over bridges, picturing dead bodies floating down the water (thanks, Edward Muir). I had been to Venice once before in college, so I didn't HAVE to go see San Marco. I could just sit there and watch hot Italian construction guys work on the canal (just kidding! I was watching hte boats go by!).
The thing that Muir really gave to me was the picture of Venice as Not East, Not West, but a passageway between. And walking through the passages of that amazing city, the phenomenon of East Meets West creeps up everywhere: like window frames...
Comments
Charysse took marvelous photos of windows and doors. I should scan them and send them to you. They are marvelous! One can definitely see the Byzantine influence. Venice is absolutely FANTASTIC! And there is even a Ponte Minich! Ask Will. He saw it.
Posted by: sperlonga | March 30, 2007 06:39 PM
Comments
I LOVED, adored, Venice. I really want to go back there (and to all of Italy, obviously) someday!
Posted by: Lilian | April 3, 2007 08:19 PM
Comments
Aww, I loved Venice!
We're planning to go to NY City in May...I'd love to see this exhibit!
Posted by: Jo | April 4, 2007 07:35 PM