Reconstructing a masterpiece - Mantegna's St. James Led to his Execution

Mantegna, St. James Led to his Execution and the Ovetari Chapel cycle frescoes, 1447-58, Church of the Eremitani (Padua, Italy) reconstructed with photographs, original fragments, and inpainting after American bombs hit the church on March 11, 1944, an ARCHES video
A conversation with Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker in the Ovetari Chapel

[@emanuelecastagna]

It has been a great loss: Ovetari Chapel was one of the four chapels frescoed by Italian painters that paved the way for modern art. Giotto and his Scrovegni (or Arena) Chapel, Masaccio and his Brancacci Chapel and Michelangelo and his Sistine Chapel. Everyone of them is a cornerstone in art history; Andrea Mantegna was undoubtebly a genius: he mastered the fresco tecnique and he deserves a seat among the greatest artists of all time.

[@StarCrusher.]

This is tremendously fascinating, even though its kind of a sad story. At least some of this wonderful piece survived. Art restoration is so interestering, id gladly See more vids like this.

[@nicolaspoblete2087]

What a wonderful video/narration! thanks so much!

[@allertonoff4]

erm .. YIKES ! .. elegant, sophistimacated analysis, Razorsharp. This is a Prime example of what makes the netweb profoundly worthwhile.

[@jeanlanz2344]

Great commentary on the need to preserve the cultural and religious treasures of the world and much gratitude to those who have devoted themselves to their preservation and restoration.

[@carolinafernandezoro7648]

INCREDIBLE INFORMATION!!!!!

[@squarz]

It hurts so much seeing this

[@darklingeraeld-ridge7946]

Thanks be for the survival of the Giottos. For they are truly a miracle.

[@insatsuki_no_koshou]

Never again!

[@Sasha0927]

Such a shame to see all the damage caused by war.. You would've thought that the story would be Saint James on his knees, begging to be spared execution, and this person towering over him and passing a final judgment, but that was so far from the case. He is honored and triumphant instead. It's kinda inspiring. I agree that it was right to try reconstructing the frescoes. The fractured remain send a powerful message in their own way.

[@dragoncrackers7660]

Do you think its even more important now? When I see art I love hearing the story behind it, how it makes marvel at the skill and dedication. When I see a piece that has been damaged, I feel a different kind of way. I imagine what it looked like before. I feel angry at those that damaged it. Venus de Milo and the Parthenon for example. Art is supposed to make you think. I wish it hadnt been blown up but it was and I think that adds to its history

[@sudhirchopde3334]

No excuses please! Tragic losses!

[@curiousworld7912]

While we roughly label the years 400 to 900 CE as the 'dark ages', I sometimes wonder if - considering the wars, genocide and destruction of cultural objects - the 20th, and possibly the 21st centuries, won't be looked back upon in centuries to come, as a 'dark age' as well.

[@CurtisD01]

uhhhh no cause we are inventing things that change the world and help people? so idk what you're on about

[@gabriellebernard198]

Why are they whispering

[@smarthistory-art-history]

Thanks for asking. Our voices are low because we recorded this audio standing in the Church of the Eremitani, and we try to be respectful of those who are nearby, some of whom were engaged in silent prayer.

[@FreedomLovingLoyalistOfficial]

Pretty sad honestly.