Istanbul ... 'Was Constantinople....'

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Istanbul

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As the song says.. Istanbul once was Constantinople which is evident when wandering through this fascinating city layered with influences from both the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.

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The most famous example being St Sophia Basilica... Known also as Hagia Sophia [the Wisdom of God] and Ayasofia during the Ottoman period. Originally Eastern Orthodox, then Muslim, the Basilica is now a museum, cleverly retaining both religious influences. Considered the 'epitome of Byzantine architecture' it is open to the public and well worth a visit if you are ever lucky enough to be in Instanbul. There is something quite special about the basilica .. a palatable presence of something mystical accompanies the awe you will feel viewing the splendid architecture and mosaics. Mix this up with Ottaman Chandeliers and what you have is ... Magnificence!!!

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As with all my travel stories ... Istanbul provided the usual share of strange occurrences and funny moments. Being chased by a taxi driver.. I still don't know why.. and my visit to the Grand Bazaar.. I had been warned over and over to be careful.. don't go alone.. don't talk to anyone.. Not sure if there was genuine need to worry.. I didn't think it clever when my friend decided to accompany the carpet seller into his attic showroom to see his 'special kilims' .. Worried to leave her alone, I hesitantly joined them... Well in typical travel coincidence.. the carpet seller was a cousin of my neighbour back home. So much for white slave trade and I do believe we received a nice discount on our purchases..

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I think though my, overwhelming memory of Turkey was the kindness and friendliness of her people!! I could state without a doubt that Turkey was the friendliest country I have visited.. The kindness and generosity shown me during these few weeks I travelled her lands, stay with me still, along with the visual beauty of her historical artifacts, vast lands and aqua seas.

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More beauty and kindness was to find me during the following weeks travelling south to the small towns of Canakkale and Selcuk, but for now.. these photos above were taken in 1993 during those first few memorable days in Instanbul.... [not Constantinople!]...

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Giveaway Reminder

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Don't forget my giveaway runs till the end of May, so if you are new or haven't had a chance to enter... you can find the giveaway post [here] ... Goodluck ...

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.. Welcome to all the newcomers and thanks everyone for your lovely comments ..

.. wishing you all a wonderful weekend ..

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IMAGE SOURCE: .. ALL photography and artwork by me [being ruby©]

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Happy Mothers Day: Antiques & Giveaway Winner

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Happy Mother's Day

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To all our mothers around the world ...

Those we hold near to us each day ... and those we hold dear in our hearts and memories ...

And all the nurturers and sisters and daughters

May your days be filled with love, happiness and the comfort of family and friends

xx Julie

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It's also Silver Sunday and the long awaited Venice Giveaway winner[s]

- that's at the end of the post ...

[I can see you scrolling!!]

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French & Italian Antiques

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In honour of our mums.. I thought I'd bring you girls [sorry guys] a bit of culture to go with your silver fix.. Yes a little culture in the way of my male model here.. Brought to you all the way from Renaissance Italy and the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.. My Italian boy dates from the 1500's .. but hey.... he hasn't lost his muscle tone.. It's all about the eye candy!!! I mean culture!! So here are some of some of my French and Italian antiques.. strategically modeled by Michelangelo's Ignudo ... I had more silver antiques to show you but they are currently held captive in my trial version of photoshop.. which conveniently expired this morning..!! So.. I just made the pics extra big and hope you don't notice. haha

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Michelangelo's Ignudi

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The splendid male model is courtesy of a postcard I bought in the Vatican Museum.. He is one of twenty Ignudi that Michelangelo painted in the four corners of the Sistine Chapel ceiling. I don't know if you have ever had the chance to see this miracle of art in real life.. but it is everything and more than you imagined.. Quite extraordinary.. I'll tell you more about that in a later travel post... and bring you the colour images then .. but now it's time for the giveaway winners..

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.. The Winners Are ..

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Yes winners plural! In appreciation of those bloggers who posted about my giveaway and all my lovely followers.. I drew two additional prizes

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Giveaway Winner

#134 - Monika from Splendid Willow

- wins the two Venice Prints

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Followers Prize

Rhonda from Shellbelle's Tiki Hut

- wins a square Venice print

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Prize for Posting my Giveaway

Roberta from Tresor Trouve

- wins a square Venice print

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If you are just tuning in my Venice Prints are these [here]

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Thank you everyone for your lovely comments.. not just on the giveaway post but each and every week. Your constant encouragement is the icing on the cake. Speaking of.. come back later in the week as I have a little celebrating to do.. which may include another giveaway!!!

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.. I'd also like to say a big warm welcome to my new followers and once again

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Happy Mother's Day

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Thanks to Beth of 'Gypsy Fish Journal' for hosting Silver Sunday. Pop over there and spread the Mothers Day love ....

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IMAGE SOURCE: ALL Photography, text and altered art by me - [Being Ruby]

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RELIGIOUS ICONS: Mexican Retablos & Ex-Votos

When I first started blogging I had intended to regularly post on Religious Art & Icons of which I have a healthy curiosity. I did one and then got lazy! So now I plan to rectify this. I’m not sure when or why I became so interested in Religious Art, but most certainly my fascination increased when I discovered the Mexican version of Retablos & Ex-Votos.

These examples of Mexican Folk Art are wonderful examples of why I love this art form. Simple, clumsy shapes and form take on life and meaning by the use of vivid colour and expression to depict their story of loss, happiness and gratitude.

This art form dates back to the 17th century and is a poorer cousin to the ‘Retable’ being, Religious Paintings and Sculptures traditionally displayed behind the alter in a church [those being as large as 40ft tall]

The Retablos & Ex-Votos, mostly painted on small Tin Sheets or Wood, were produced by the local people, and artisans of that time, as a way of thanking the Saints for wishes granted, perceived miracles, or simply to show their devotion to the divine.

The paintings [Ex-Votos] often include handwritten stories which are simple but heartfelt expressions of thanks. Simple portrayals of favourites Saints or Angels, who look over and protect them in their day to day life.

Well here are some examples from my ‘virtual’ collection

I’ll start with San Antonio and finish with the namesake of Rita from Mammabellarte, interspersed with Ex-Votos.

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San Antonio de Padua

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La Virgen del Apocalipsis

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Soledad de Sombrerete

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La Purisima Concepcion

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San Miguel Archangel

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Santa Rita

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Over the last few years I have collected many of these digital images. These colourful paintings are highly sought after and therefore have a price tag to match. I would love one day to start a ‘real’ collection of these beauties. I know they won’t be everyone’s cuppa tea. You certainly need to have a love of vivid colour to embrace their uniqueness.

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I would say my favourite out of this collection is ‘La Purisima Concepcion’.

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Some Notes on the Saints: San Antonio de Padua [Saint Anthony] I had always thought St Antonio was the Patron Saint of Lost Causes, apparently not. He is [amongst other things] the Patron Saint of Lost articles, Fertility, Starvation, Expectant Mothers, Shipwrecks and Italy. Santa Rita Patron of Impossible Causes. Her symbols are the Rose and Fig. La Virgen del Apocalipsis The Virgin Mary holds the Christ Child while trampling the serpent of sin, who curls around the moon at her feet. San Miguel Archangel [Archangel Michael] Patron Saint to Mariners and the sick. La Purisima Concepcion The immaculate conception. Again depicted with the moon and serpent and also the sun.

IMAGE SOURCE: The Saint Retablos here are more recent finds from 'Colonial Arts'. The Ex-Votos I have had some time and no longer know the source [apologies].

Mothers' Day: [the colour post] [pt1]

In honour of mothers around the world ... Those we hold near to us each day ... and those we hold dear in our hearts and memories ...

An ethereal look at 'mothers' and the depiction of 'birth & creation' in art

La nascita di Venere - (detail) Sandro Botticelli

La_nascita_di_Venere - Sandro Botticelli

William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825-1905)

- The Madonna of the Roses (1903)

William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825 - 1905)

IMAGES: WIKIPEDIA

Religious Icons - Mexican

I've always loved Religious Artefacts.

Be it painted icons of religious saints, ex-votos, crosses, candelabras, milagros, religious sacrements, anything really of this nature. Those I like the best are usually based on the traditions of cultures foreign to my own. Although not being brought up in the Catholic Church, I have a fascination and curiosity with those traditions also.

Some of the more colourful are the Mexican Icons. Mexican Art in general is full of bright vivid colours with bold substantial subject matter. No wishy washy muted colours or diminitive figures. The depiction of the subject does not seem to focus on realistic representation but rather on the emotion of the subject. I think this is why I love it so much. (eg the works of Frida Kahlo.. but that can be another post).

Their religious icons also seem to follow this trend.

This painting is of "Our Lady of Mount Carmel". It is one of my favourites. Unfortunately I cannot remember where I found this image. I would love to know what it is she is holding (see inset).

Facts Update According to Wikipedia;
Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a title traditionally given to Blessed Virgin Mary, in honor of her having given the Scapular of Lady of Mount Carmel to Saint Simon Stock. It is a devotional scapular typically consisting of two small (usually rectangular) pieces of cloth, wood or laminated paper, a few inches in size which may bear religious images or text.

Well as you can see, researching your blog posts is an education in itself!