Paint/fresco

The "Three Living Meet Three Dead" Fresco by Buonamico Buffalmacco, 1336

Some art seems to have a life of its own, its own vitality and presence which can make it seem like a character in its own right. The...

Crypt of the Original Sin

Caves evoke mystery to a modern person. We're so used to having all the light we want, wherever and whenever we go. Our interiors are...

The River God(father)

Baptism changed both in its practice and its artistic representation from its introduction in the Gospels to its depictions across...

Medieval Synagogues of Toledo & Cordoba

Jews were expelled by Ferdinand and Isabella in 1492; all synagogues were shut down and repurposed. Two medieval synagogue buildings...

The Otherworldly Alhambra

The mostly 13th century palace is a studied combination of science, statecraft, and mysticism. The Alhambra began its life on the ruins...

Early Christian Churches in Rome, Part 2

Here, I continue to point out some features of church architecture, generally before 1100. Please see Part 1 post for more on this...

Pilgrim to the Past