Asher, my friend, I hear what you say and believe it has considerable merit and justification..however:
"These images are the bird feathers left by the raptor of modern Italy. They just happen to be not destroyed and are merely there. They exist. They are no longer objects bringing man closer to God. If asked, almost no one would be willing to pay to have even a tenth of such buildings rebuilt or the art remade if it went missing! Remember that Italian states rebelled against the military, judicial and state powers of Papal Imperial Rome in the 19th Century ".
Agreed in that it is historically what transpired. Also agree that the material costs of such grandiose
structures would not be palatable in today when other pressing needs of society need to be addressed.
It was and is a fallacy, imho, to believe that 'objects' bring people closer to God. As such, once again I
would agree with you here. More importantly, I believe the ' objects' never brought the people closer
to God..ever. The people were mesmerised into thinking that since God was Grand so must the ' objects' be.
Papal Imperial Rome became a pita for the people and they rebelled against it. Not, however, against their own beliefs in a Higher Power which was taken advantage of by Papal Rome.
"but it's not like in South America where they set up 10 new shrines a month after some old paint, tree bark or other artifact is recognized as having a saint, Mary or other divine spirit in it; All are essentially idol worship, IMHO".
You and I agree on idol worship. But others don't. Respect other's beliefs and move on.
" In Italy, the time of these paintings and the Church power has really passed even though we still see massive crowds of the faithful. The works are seen just as art pieces and marks of the history of the powerful in europe."
History I do not disagree with. In a religion that places significant value in symbolism religious art
is has greater value for the faithful than if it were an Andy Worhol work.
"Italy is a republic and fashion, earning a living, education, human rights. How one's scooter is working, if one has health insurance and a job, (oh yes an ipod and fun too), are far more important than the Church and it's art."
The pursuit of material betterment and the struggles of everyday people for a better life does not
and should not be construed as a divorce ( pun intended ) from the deep seated needs and search for
spiritual fulfillment.
It is on this issue that I think you and me might have differing views. what you mention in your
lucid and eloquent post are the superficial and material trappings of the current Italian society. What is missing, IMHO, is the spirit, the soul. Fixing a scooter does not preclude the beliefs in their faith. The pomp and glory associated with it ( imho wrong to start with as Jesus the son of Mary was the last person to crave for such ) might have be seen as having been extravagant but not so with the deep rooted belief. That is neither extravagant nor history.
It is the belief, not the material manifestations of it, that still burns strong in the man with the scooter.
It is the strength that he finds when in need and alone. He might blame the government for their
failings and fight for better health care..but when his dearest is seriously sick it is to these very places
of worship he goes. He might not appreciate the art in them, but he visits for something greater.
IMHO, that ' something ' is the spirit of Italy.
Take care.
p.s i have to post more photographs to keep you busy!
These images are the bird feathers left by the raptor of modern Italy. They just happen to be not destroyed and are merely there. They exist. They are no longer objects bringing man closer to God. If asked, almost no one would be willing to pay to have even a tenth of such buildings rebuilt or the art remade if it went missing! Remember that Italian states rebelled against the military, judicial and state powers of Papal Imperial Rome in the 19th Century and they have no stomach for returning to the status ante or to care too much for this really. Yes, culturally they follow the festivals and have banners and processions, but it's not like in South America where they set up 10 new shrines a month after some old paint, tree bark or other artifact is recognized as having a saint, Mary or other divine spirit in it; All are essentially idol worship, IMHO. In Italy, the time of these paintings and the Church power has really passed even though we still see massive crowds of the faithful. The works are seen just as art pieces and marks of the history of the powerful in europe. Italy is a republic and fashion, earning a living, education, human rights. How one's scooter is working, if one has health insurance and a job, (oh yes an ipod and fun too), are far more important than the Church and it's art.
As I nearly said, "I wish it wasn't so!".
Asher
