Lake Antorno featured now in Windows 10 Spotlight

Lake Antorno

Lago d'Antorno is located in the Dolomites; the province of Belluno in the Veneto.

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Revisioning drawing of Lisa del Giocondo

Lisa del Giocondo

Lisa del Giocondo (née Gherardini; June 15, 1479 – July 15, 1542) was an Italian noblewoman and member of the Gherardini family of Florence and Tuscany. Her name was given to the Mona Lisa, her portrait commissioned by her husband and painted by Leonardo da Vinci during the Italian Renaissance.

Little is known about Lisa's life. Born in Florence and married in her teens to a cloth and silk merchant who later became a local official, she was a mother to five children and led what is thought to have been a comfortable and ordinary middle-class life. Lisa outlived her husband, who was considerably her senior.

Centuries after Lisa's death, the Mona Lisa became the world's most famous painting and took on a life separate from Lisa, the woman. Speculation by scholars and hobbyists made the work of art a globally recognized icon and an object of commercialization. In 2005, Lisa was definitively identified as the model for the Mona Lisa.


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'Dark family history behind Mona Lisa's sad smile revealed in new book'

'Leonardo da Vinci never finished the Mona Lisa because he injured his arm while fainting, experts say'


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Roman coins from Breathitt County, Kentucky

The above three coins were found in a cave shelter in Breathitt County, Kentucky, by Mr. Michael Wayne Griffith of the same county. Mr. Griffith has found another 9 or so similar coins, but the three depicted are the best preserved of the group.

A few years ago the three depicted were examined hands-on by Norman Totten, Professor of History, now Emeritus, at Bentley College. Totten identified the two thinner coins (the top two above) as antoniniani, a type of bronze Roman coin minted between 238 and 305 A.D. The obverses (left photos) depict an unidentifiable emperor wearing the distinctive "solar crown" of the period. The reverse of the top one, in the right photo, depicts two figures standing facing what apparently is a central altar, while that of the middle one depicts a female standing figure facing left with a cornucopia in her right hand.

These would originally have had a silver surface, long since gone. The third coin is thicker, and depicts a bust facing right, wearing a laureate wreath rather than a crown. The reverse, according to Totten, is perhaps a figure of a centaur walking to the right and looking back. Its flan (the metal disk from which coin is made) seems to be of a North African (Egyptian) or Middle Eastern type. This coin probably dates to a similar period to that of the two antoniniani (singular antoninianus). While Totten is confident that the coins are genuine, he warns that such coins are easy to obtain from coin dealers.

In 1963, a small hoard of Roman coins from the same approximate period, and in a much better state of preservation, was found during bridge construction on the north bank of the Ohio River, at the Falls of the Ohio, opposite Louisville, Kentucky.

Breathitt Co., population 16,100 in 2000, is on the upper Kentucky River, in the southeastern portion of the state. The county seat is Jackson, pop. 2,490. Two of the larger towns are named Quicksand and Lost Creek, but the 2000 U.S. Census couldn't find either. The nearest metropolis is Hazard (which may or may not be the inspiration for the "Dukes of Hazzard" TV series), pop. 4,806, and one county to the south.

Mr. Griffith is difficult to contact, but is known to Mr. David Feldman, President of Feldman Lumber Co. in Lancaster, Ky.

The author wishes to thank Prof. Norman Totten, Dr. John Payne, of Berea, Ky., and Mr. David Feldman of Lancaster, Ky., for their invaluable assistance. 


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Roman Head from Calixtlahuaca, Mexico

Roman coins from the Falls of the Ohio River, Indiana

Roman shipwreck near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil


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Gianfranco Rosi vs Duane Thomas 03-01-1988

Boxing Syko

WBC World Super Welterweight Title Fight

Venue: Palazzo Dello Sport, Genoa, Liguria, Italy


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Gianfranco Rosi

Gianfranco Rosi (born 5 August 1957) retired Italian boxer who was a two-time world champion in the light-middleweight division.


Professional career

Rosi turned pro in 1979 and won the WBC light-middleweight title in 1987 by decisioning Lupe Aquino. He lost the belt in 1988 when he was dominated by Donald Curry. Rosi was down once in 2nd, 4th and 8th and down twice in 7th, failing to answer the bell starting the 10th round.

In 1989 he won the IBF light-middleweight title by outpointing the undefeated Darrin Van Horn. He went on to successfully defend the title an impressive 11 times. In 1994 he had a technical draw against Vincent Pettway, and in the rematch later that year Pettway KO'd Rosi, ending his long reign.

In 1995 he took on WBO light-middleweight title holder Verno Phillips and won a decision, but Rosi failed a drug test and Phillips was reinstated as champion. The result of the bout was changed to a No Contest. In 1997 he lost a rematch to Phillips and retired.

In 2003 he came out of retirement, and finally retired in 2006 at the age of 49 with a pro record of 62 wins (18 KOs), 6 losses, and 1 draw.


Amateur career

Rosi had a record of 94 wins - 2 losses - 4 draws Highlights:

1976 Italian Light-Welterweight Champion

1977 Italian Welterweight Champion


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Born in Assisi in the province of Perugia (Umbria), Gianfranco Rosi took a 32-1 record into a European Welterweight Championship bout in 1984 with future world welterweight champion Lloyd Honeyghan from the UK. Rosi lost his first big bout, but won his next nine--including winning the European Junior Middleweight title and defending it twice--and took a 41-2 record into a bout with world champion Luge Aquino of Mexico, a much more dangerous opponent than Honeyghan. Rosi won a unanimous decision to take the belt.

There were so many outstanding boxers worldwide in the 80s, especially between 147 and 160 pounds. Next he defended the belt against another very hard punching boxer, former champion Duane Thomas of Detroit, winning by knockout. Although he lost in his next defense against former welterweight champion Donald Curry, he eventually won the world title back and defended it eleven times before losing.


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The Discovery and Restoration of Leonardo da Vinci's Long-Lost Painting "Salvator Mundi" | Robb Report

Robb Report

Leonardo da Vinci is one of history's greatest artists and thinkers. Only about 15 of his paintings are known to exist and one was thought to be lost forever. Leonard painted that masterpiece, called "Salvator Mundi" (Savior of the World) around 1500. It was owned by no less than three kings and, in 1763, it disappeared. This video tells the story of that incredible painting, how it was rediscovered in 2005, and what happened when it went to auction at Christie's in November 2017.

READ MORE: http://bit.ly/LostDaVinci

Secret Histories of Rare Treasures spotlights the stories behind items that amaze historians, elude collectors, and intrigue audiences. Through original and never-before-seen footage, in-depth archival research, and expert interviews, Robb Report brings these awe-inspiring narratives to life. Developed in coordination with Robb Report’s editors and produced by the brand’s in-house custom-content and video agency Robb Report Studio, the editorial series explores the hidden lives of extremely rare and amazingly valuable items often found in the pages of Robb Report.

Subscribe to Robb Report: https://bit.ly/2rx0Icw


CONNECT WITH ROBB REPORT

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[This portion was originally from the CCNA blog - entitled 'Disciplina Etrusca' by Voltumna - May 31, 2015]

This band named itself after the supreme god of the Etruscan pantheon, "Voltumna" (also called "Veltha"), which I just covered a bit on the other blog ('Etruscan women, mythology, and the god Veltha'). Black Metal music is a lot like the old Heavy Metal music in that some of it is truly good, while most you would probably have to really like the genre to appreciate. This particular song wouldn't be my first choice to promote, but I love the theme! The 'Disciplina Etrusca' was the text of ancient Etruscan polytheism, which was made up of the three "books of fate."

Beyond the larger Black Metal genre, are the sub-genres of "Celtic Black Metal," "Viking Black Metal," etc., etc. One thing this music offers is a clear link to folk-identity, in this case "Etruscan Black Metal." The band's lyrical theme is defined as "Etruscan Paganism, Mythology, Modern Decay"; and it's genre as Black/Death Metal. This additionally suggests a type of Gothic element to it. Dark symbolism can be beautiful, and could be an outlet for people, primarily younger people, who feel alienated by society.

This song is brand new; just released today in fact. The band is from Viterbo, Latium, and has been around since 2009. Viterbo was one of the city-states of the Etruscan civilization. In a Western society which makes a special point to squash identity (individual and collective), I think it's great that people can turn to their ancestors for inspiration and strength. It's not just Black Folk Metal, but there are many other genres which are folk-oriented in this manner. I mean something a little beyond a band merely playing folk music from a certain culture. There's often a rebel-aspect to it. 

If you don't like Black Metal, maybe seek out some of the other types of music within this concept. There's one band from Sardinia called Atrium Animae which is under a genre called "Atmospheric Neoclassical Darkwave," which is hauntingly beautiful.. and is based on what appears to be a Medieval Catholic style. There is Irish Black Metal, Odinic music of many sounds, Slavic, you name it. You might find something you like within one of these folk-spiritual-identity sub-genres.



I like music of just about every texture and harmony, but I don't like "sad music." There are enough things in this life to be sad or depressed about; especially when we lose people. Something inspirational is great, especially when there's that blood-folk connection with a spiritual tie-in. Black Metal is almost like fighting music. Perhaps we need some of that in our lives, because often life is a war. Evolutionary struggle.

Voltumna official website

Voltumna YouTube channel

Metal-Archives.com band profile

Voltumna facebook (official; in Italian mostly)

Voltumna facebook (in English)

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What did Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper" really look like?

What did Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper" really look like? | DW Documentary
 
Published on Apr 18, 2019

384,688 views

DW Documentary

Leonardo's famous painting "The Last Supper" hides a secret: only 20 percent of the original work is still visible.

In the style of a thriller, the documentary attempts to reconstruct what it originally looked like. Leonardo da Vinci was the epitome of the Renaissance Man. May 2019 marks the 500th anniversary of his death. The artist created world-famous works such as the fresco "The Last Supper" - perhaps the most famous. It is still in its original setting, on the wall of the dining room of the former Dominican convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan.

The painting, which is 4.60 meters high and 8.80 meters wide, has been undergoing restoration for the last 19 years. But the restorers now know that only 20 percent of the original is visible today. So what did something that is the focus of so many legends originally look like? Our investigation also takes us to the small Belgian abbey of Tongerlo, where a mysterious copy of da Vinci's work has been discovered. It is a painting on canvas that could have been commissioned from da Vinci’s workshop by the French King Louis XII. It has perhaps brought the researchers a step closer to the truth.

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Artsy.net - Making all the world’s art accessible to anyone

Artsy.net

"....our mission to make all the world’s art accessible to anyone. We hope to continue promoting arts education and accessibility with your help.

"The Museo Thyssen-Bournemisza is currently exhibiting "Masterworks from Budapest: From the Renaissance to the Avant-Garde", which features Leonardo Da Vinci. As such, we would like to take the opportunity to now promote his work. Our hope is that the timing of this outreach will effectively support both the Museum and Da Vinci.

"Our Leonardo Da Vinci page provides visitors with Da Vinci's bio, over 15 of his works, exclusive articles, and up-to-date Da Vinci exhibition listings. The page also includes related artists and categories, allowing viewers to discover art beyond our Da Vinci page. We would love to be included as an additional resource for your visitors via a link on your page. We believe that by spreading access we can provide a new, empowering way for approaching art. If you are able to add a link to our Leonardo Da Vinci page, please let me know. Thanks in advance for your consideration!

 
Thank you,

Alonzo

 
"Art is never finished, only abandoned"
-- Leonardo Da Vinci

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Sonic Drive-In Boneless Wings Commercial 2015 History Channel

Sonic Drive-In Boneless Wings Commercial 2015 History Channel 

Commercials YouTube channel

Sonic Drive-In Boneless Wings Commercial 2015 History Channel. Sonic Drive-In Boneless Wings TV Commercial, 'History Channel'. Leonardo da Vinci is served some of "Mona's Famous Wings," but is unsatisfied with his eating experience. Determined to find a better way to eat wings, Leo draws up the first design for boneless chicken wings. Just as he finishes his design, Mona returns for Leo to finish painting her portrait.

Commerical details

Making history come alive, if even in a silly way. I thought this ad was a good attention-getter. Although the attractive "Mona" was a bit more Bensonhurst than Florence.

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Mona Lisa "Twin" from the same studio

In January 2012 Museo del Prado in Madrid announced that it had discovered and almost fully restored a copy of the painting by a pupil of Leonardo, very possibly painted alongside the master. The copy gives a better indication of what the portrait looked like at the time, as the varnish on the original has become cracked and yellowed with age.

'The Mona Lisa's Twin Painting Discovered'

Speculations about Mona Lisa

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La Bella Principessa

Leonardo fingerprint reveals $150 million artwork

Bob Gillies - Associated Press - October 14, 2009

TORONTO – Mona Lisa has something new to smile about.

A portrait of a young woman thought to be created by a 19th century German artist and sold two years ago for about $19,000 is now being attributed by art experts to Leonardo da Vinci and valued at more than $150 million.

The unsigned chalk, ink and pencil drawing, known as "La Bella Principessa," was matched to Leonardo via a technique more suited to a crime lab than an art studio — a fingerprint and palm print found on the 13 1/2-inch-by-10-inch work.

Peter Paul Biro, a Montreal-based forensic art expert, said the print of an index or middle finger matched a fingerprint found on Leonardo's "St. Jerome" in the Vatican.

Technical, stylistic and material composition evidence — including carbon dating — had art experts believing as early as last year that they had found another work by the creator of the "Mona Lisa."

The discovery of the fingerprint has them convinced the work was by Leonardo, whose myth and mystery already put him at the center of such best-sellers as "The Da Vinci Code" and "The Lost Symbol."

Biro examined multispectral images of the drawing taken by the Lumiere Technology laboratory in Paris, which used a special digital scanner to show successive layers of the work.

"Leonardo used his hands liberally and frequently as part of his painting technique. His fingerprints are found on many of his works," Biro said. "I was able to make use of multispectral images to make a little smudge a very readable fingerprint."

Alessandro Vezzosi, director of a museum dedicated to Leonardo in the artist's hometown of Vinci, Italy, said Wednesday he was "very happy" to hear about the fingerprint analysis, saying it confirmed his own conclusion that the portrait can be attributed to Leonardo with "reasonable certainty."

"For me, it's extraordinary there is confirmation" through the fingerprint, although "it's not like I had any doubt," he said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press.

Even before the fingerprint discovery, Vezzosi said several experts agreed with his conclusion, which was based on "historical, artistic, stylistic (and) aesthetic" considerations.

Based on its style, the portrait has been dated to 1485-1490, placing it at a time when Leonardo (1452-1519) was living in Milan.

Canadian-born art collector Peter Silverman bought "La Bella Principessa" — or "The Beautiful Princess" — at the gallery in New York on behalf of an anonymous Swiss collector in 2007 for about $19,000. New York art dealer Kate Ganz had owned it for about nine years after buying it at auction for a similar price.

One London art dealer now says it could be worth more than $150 million.

If experts are correct, it will be the first major work by Leonardo to be identified in 100 years.

Ganz still doesn't believe it is a Leonardo.

"Nothing that I have seen or read in the past two years has changed my mind. I do not believe that this drawing is by Leonardo da Vinci," Ganz told the AP on Wednesday. She declined to comment further.

Silverman said he didn't expect Ganz to acknowledge it's a Leonardo because that would damage her credibility, adding that if she wants to "go against science and say the Earth is not round," then that's her prerogative.

"Thank God, we have the fingerprint because there will still be those doubting Thomases out there saying it couldn't possibly be and giving all sorts of reasons for it. We not only have a fingerprint, but a palm print."

He said the palm print was found in the neck of the portrait's subject, who is believed to be the daughter of a 15th century Milanese duke.

Biro said the two main ideas to emerge from the news are the discovery of "an important lost work by Leonardo," and how "science, technology, scholars and art historians are learning to work together to solve these incredibly complex puzzles."

Silverman said the Swiss collector first raised suspicions about the drawing, saying it didn't look like 19th century artwork. When Silverman saw it at the Ganz gallery in 2007, he thought it might be a Leonardo, although the idea seemed far-fetched. He hurriedly bought it for his Swiss friend and then started researching it.

"Of course, you say, 'Come on, that's ridiculous. There's no such thing as a da Vinci floating around,'" Silverman said. "I started looking in the areas around da Vinci and all the people who could have possibly done it and through elimination I came back to da Vinci."

Last year, Silverman asked Nicholas Turner, a former curator of drawings at the J. Paul Getty Museum and the British Museum. Turner said it was a Leonardo.

Silverman described the Swiss collector as a very rich man who has promised to buy him "lunch and dinner and caviar for the rest of my life if it ever does get sold."

Vezzosi said the portrait seemed to be of a prospective bride and compared its purpose to today's photos of clients of Internet matchmaking agencies.

As for the possibility of finding other Leonardo works, "there are thousands of lost works of Leonardo, mainly pages from codexes or drawings," Vezzosi said, but discovering a lost or undocumented painting would be "much more difficult."

Associated Press writer Frances D'Emilio in Rome contributed to this report.

Yahoo News Link

Doing Da Vinci On The Discovery Channel

Doing Da Vinci On The Discovery Channel

Amanda MacArthur

There is no disputing that Leonardo Da Vinci was a man before his time. He is well known for his paintings and sculptures, and most people have seen the sketches he did for inventions that he had imagined creating.

Sadly, Leo was never able to pull the inventions from the pages into reality. And, we don’t know if it was because he lacked the materials, or if there was a conspiracy by the Pope, or what. The Discovery Channel and producer Craig Piligian are teaming up to create a show based on the genius of Leonardo, and if all goes right, they are going to bring those inventions to life. The show is set to be titled Doing Da Vinci, and while it seems a little sexual for the title of a show about a guy who's been dead for over 500 years, I guess it will do.

According to Hollywood Reporter , “The "Da Vinci" design team will include a rocket scientist, a Hollywood special effects expert and an everyday in-the-garage inventor. Although the team will use modern tools, the building materials will all be re-creations of what was available during Da Vinci's era. The series is expected to debut some time next year.”

I think this sounds like a really great idea for a show. I love history, I love Leo (Da Vinci and Dicaprio – hey, maybe they should get him in on this somehow), and those sketches should get a chance to be created.

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'Doing Da Vinci' is set to debut on Monday evening at 10 PM (E/P), on the Discovery Channel. Visit the interactive Doing Da Vinci link on the Discovery Channel website.

Da Vinci Exhibit in San Francisco

"Da Vinci: An Exhibition of Genius" opens on August 4th in San Francisco. This stunning exhibition of Leonardo Da Vinci is presented for the first time in North America at The Metreon Center in San Francisco. It's one unique and inspirational exhibition. For ticket information and exhibition hours, click here.

With the popularity of the book 'The Da Vinci Code,' the magnitude of this event is much greater than it would normally have been. This is a big event. I guess it would be pointless to give a bio on Leonardo Da Vinci here now, or to try to give a background on 'The Da Vinci Code.' I will suggest getting your hands on the recent biography on Da Vinci from the A&E webstore. It's outstanding, and gives a great look into Da Vinci, and that time period. Any list of the greatest men of all time will feature the Tuscan Leonardo Da Vinci.

Lastly, here's a list of related links: Da Vinci in Wikipedia (with a large number of related links at the bottom), Da Vinci: An Exhibition of Genius (offical website), and the companion Da Vinci webstore. Big Da Vinci exhibit in San Francisco, ya can't miss it!