Join me on my summer holiday as I travel (mostly) through Italy—as always, in search of beautiful sites, sculpture and all things sculpture-ish.
Genova was amongst the World's richest and most powerful port cities during the 1400's - 1600's, resulting in no shortage of beautiful and impressive architecture dating to this period.
Genova's cathedral, dedicated to San Lorenzo (Saint Lawrence), was a beneficiary of the communities wealth—specifically the largesse of wealthy trading and banking families. Although it was built in the 12th - 14th Centuries, wealthy patrons continued to "update" the interiors in later years.
Shown above, a detail of stonework framing one of the front doors. A mix of colorful, exotic materials all work together to create a harmonious and pleasing effect.
Shown here, a nicely-carved, friendly lion guards the front steps of the cathedral. Perhaps he proved to be a Lucky Lion on 9 February 1941—for on that day, the British shelled the cathedral from the HMS Malaya, offshore. The bomb pierced the cathedral shell where it sat, unexploded. Today, the (presumably defused) bomb is displayed along an interior wall with a placard informing contemporary visitors of the shell's history—complete with an expression of gratitude for the happy conclusion.
We'll continue our summer holiday tomorrow.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Pittsburgh's historic "Strip District" at Mahla & Co. Antiques (www.mahlaantiques.com) or in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248
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