A Haggardly Beautiful Mary Magdalene
This Mary Magdalene was sculpted by Donatello. Artistically and materialistically, the sculpture departs from his smooth bronze and marble work. Mary stands over 6′ tall, made of wood and gesso. More than stone or marble, I believe the wood and…
In the Conservatory
I am transfixed by the man’s gaze and gently extended finger, ever so slightly reaching toward the woman as he holds his cigar – leading me to the woman’s hand, to her presence in the work. Their hands barely meet…
The Massacre at Chios
Note: I wrote the following essay excerpt for UCLA’s 19th Century European Art course. It was written against the backdrop of life change, excitement, death, and grief. The class was my first at UCLA, and the course’s professor was the…
Florence
I don’t know what it is that compels my love of Florence over any other city. I’ve walked its narrow, uneven streets, sat quietly at its cafes, joked with the locals, been overwhelmed by the smoldering heat an drenched by…
The Magic of the Louvre
This is me in 2007 front of the Winged Victory of Samothrace. I love this photo because it sums up so much of my trip and the emotion behind it. I was 18. I went to Europe (Italy, France, Spain)…
On the Power of Aesthetics and Artistic Intent
I remember the first and only time I’ve experienced something close to Stendhal’s Syndrome. I was traveling in Rome. It was 2007, and I was 18. I had just seen the Pantheon, eaten chocolate gelato for a refreshing treat, and was…
What is Resemblance?
This brief exploration stems from a conversation I had with an art history professor earlier this year. “Well, what is resemblance?” he mused. Ever since he asked, I’ve had it nipping at the back of my brain, waiting to be…
Digital vs. Classical Art
My father, David Shatto, wrote a brief essay in 2009 called “Digital vs. Classical Art: Or Rather, Digital vs. Physical Art.” The concepts and ideas presented are succinctly explored with wonderful language. The essay raises questions regarding the existence of art, its form and…
Why Choose Art History?
I’ve discussed what art history is and thought I’d follow up with why prospective art history students should choose art history (either as a major or minor) and the different career paths art history majors and minors can take. Let’s…
