The Memling Museum in Bruges, or Menlingnae, is a must when in Bruges. First, Hans Memling paintings are masterpieces – mostly diptychs and tryptic. They transport the viewer to the historical context of 13th century Europe and are full of symbolisms that represent that period. St Ursula Shrine Then, the building is an architectural jewel…
The Benin Bronzes
The Benin Bronzes were elaborated and stylized objects from the Court of Benin (currently Edo State, Nigeria). This type of work has to be commissioned by the ruler, called Oba, or on behalf of him. The craftsmen used the technique lost-wax casting bronze(cire perdue) that they learnt from the Ife tribu in the north. The…
Maiolica | A Renaissance legacy
Glazes have been used to brighten decorative objects made of clay since 4000 B.C. Tin glaze or enamel requires adding stannic (tin) oxide to a lead glaze. For long time earthenware decorated with tin glazes were used mainly on the north coast of Africa. During the fourteenth century the technique was expanded to Spain Germany,…
Etruria | The Richness of the Etruscan Civilization
The Etruscan evoke in my imagination a combination of mystery, eternity and resilience. Although they thrive in Italy before the Romans, they legacy has been sometimes overlooked by the grandiosity of the Roman Empire. However, it is impossible not to be attracted to the marvellous art and culture of this civilization, which legacy is still…
Medusa | The gorgon
Medusa (the cunning one), according to Greek myths was one of the three gorgons, the other two being Stheno (Strong), Euryale (wide roaming). They were once beautiful. Medusa fell from grace when she laid with Poseidon in the sacred temple of Athene, who enraged changed her into a winged monster with glaring eyes, huge teeth,…
The Catcher in the Rye : the scenes that “Kill Me”
Since I started reading The Catcher in the Rye (1951), by Jerome D. Salinger (1919-2010), I knew it would be one of those I would never forget. There are innumerable critics, essays, articles since its publication. The novel was banned from school in United States, as many others, and is considered one of the best…
Americanah| A Well-explained Cultural Identity Journey
Reading the book Americanah by the Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was a pure delight. I was born and raised in a developing country, and although I have lived in a few called “developed” countries, I found being Latin American the coolest thing in the world. Mainly because no matter what I want or think…
The Ancient Egypt’s Fascination
It happens to you that certain places or objects make your soul jumps, as if someone is calling you by your name? It started one clear night at the countryside in the Dominican Republic. At the age of seven, I was visiting friends with my family – in that occasion I noticed a calendar…
Assyrians – A mighty kingdom
I had the time of my life in the Assyrian galleries at The British Museum. The collection is remarkable and as expected conveys the sense of power strategy of this great civilization. …
Bruges – An exquisite experience
Bruges is the capital of West Flanders in northwest Belgium that is distinguished by its canals, cobbled streets and medieval buildings. Bruges is a treasury trove full of activity in spite of the weather. It is easy to explore and there are surprises at any corner. There are plenty of things to do there, whatever…
Exploring Art, Culture and Humanity 