Page 10 - SUMMARIES OF GIOVANNI BOCCACCIO’S DECAMEON : A Visionary Journey In 100 Stories And 100 Etchings By Petru Russu
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Artistic Interpretations of Boccaccio’s
Decameron: Exploring the Visual Legacy
of Boccaccio’s Masterpiece.
Sandro Botticelli, the renowned Italian Quattrocento painter, created
several works illustrating stories from the Decameron. His depiction
of Nastagio degli Onesti is particularly praised. This series illustrates
the fifth story of the Fourth Day (the Hell of Cruel Lovers), where a
young man, unrequited in his love for a lady, witnesses a gentleman
and two mastiffs chasing another young man, who ultimately offers
his heart to feed the dogs. These paintings were created in 1483 using
mixed media on wood and are part of the Florentine school. They are
currently housed in the Museo del Prado in Madrid.
Other prominent artists, such as Pisanello, Pesellino, Signorelli,
Ghirlandaio, Filippino Lippi, and Vittore Carpaccio, have also
reinterpreted the Decameron in their works. Their interpretations
highlight the enduring appeal and influence of Boccaccio’s stories
ETCHING INVOLVES USING STRONG ACID TO CARVE DESIGNS INTO THE
across different artistic mediums and generations. Additionally,
UNPROTECTED PARTS OF A METAL SURFACE, CREATING GROOVES THAT
HOLD INK. (PETRU RUSSU IN 13 / 04 / 1986 INTAGLIO PRINTMAKING frescoes depicting scenes from the Decameron adorn rooms in
THE 100 DAYS OF DECAMERON ON H. FLEURY PRINTING PRESS
ancient Italian castles, exterior walls of houses in Stein am Rhein in
MANUFACTURED IN PARIS IN THE 1880S.)
Canton of Schaffhausen. Over the centuries, numerous illustrated
editions of the Decameron have been produced, such as the
magnificent collection by Celedonio Perellón, featuring over one
hundred etchings and illustrations.
Contemporary artists like Salvador Dalí, Giacomo Manzù, Renato
Guttuso, Marc Chagall, Masuo Ikeda, and Petru Russu have
drawn inspiration from the Decameron to create some of their
compositions. The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio, paired with
the enchanting illustrations by Petru Russu and other artists, offers
a rich visual and literary experience. It stands as a must-see and
must-read for anyone interested in the Italian Renaissance and the
enduring power of storytelling.
DECAMERON 8
