ODDO-SAIDI
A MULTIDISCIPLINARY DESIGN STUDIO
EX
VOTO
An homage
This is a virtual planting of flowers around a grave.
Isabella Claudia Eugenia, daughter of King Phillip II of Spain wears a crown of Roses to honor the Patron Saint of Sicily, Santa Rosalia who is called upon to intercede during plagues.
The figure: Alonso Sanchez Coello (1531-1588) This painting of Isabelle Claudia Eugenia was commissioned by her father, Phillip I, King of Spain who became King of Naples and Sicily.
THE BACKGROUND:
The Adoration of the Magi
Artist Geertgen tot Sint Jans
Year Circa 1480–1485
The Adoration of the Magi. An oil on panel painting of the Adoration of the Magi by the Renaissance artist Geertgen tot Sint Jans in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. I chose this scene because it represents one of the most recognized and celebrated events in Christianity, the birth of Jesus.
In this evocative composition, Bouguereau's 1898 "Étude Tête de Jeune Fille" is juxtaposed against the backdrop of an ancient Asian fresco, creating a dialogue between Eastern and Western artistic traditions. The abundant floral elements serve as memento mori, gentle reminders of life's ephemeral nature, while the crown of finches transforms the symbolic imagery of Christ's crown of thorns into an emblem of spiritual transcendence and liberation from earthly suffering.
THE BACKGROUND:
Wat Uposatharam, Thailand
Fresco: The Lives of Buddha
These murals are found in the Ordination Hall of the Wat Bot temple in Thailand. They depict the legend of Lord Buddha from his birth until his death. They were painted during the Rattanakosin Era.
THE FIGURE:
In this reimagined composition, the central figure from Bouguereau's "Young Girl Defending Against Eros," originally exhibited at the Paris Salon, takes on new meaning as she gazes at a delicate finch perched upon her hand. The bird, celebrated for its melodious song and graceful aerial dance, serves as a poignant dual symbol – representing both the pure joy of life and the exquisite fragility of existence.
THE BACKGROUND:
The background depicts the cautionary tale of Adam's fate after being tempted to eat from the Tree of Knowledge. Sentenced to a life of labor he is depicted here as a plough man angrily whipping his horses. This medieval gothic fresco is found in Aspo, Sweden.
"When you wake in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting hush
of quiet birds' encircling flight
I am the soft star that shines at night."
e.e. cummings
