"C" for "CATHERINE"

The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine of Alexandria (c. 1527-31)
by  Italian Artist Parmigianino

In times gone by olive picking in Italy began on November 25th the Feast day of St. Catherine of Alexandria, who is the Patron Saint of Ceramicists, a popular Saint in the Renaissance period.  Although olive picking starts earlier in November nowadays, St. Catherine's is still celebrated - exactly one month before Christmas. 

St. Catherine of Alexandria has been painted in many churches in Italy and by famous artists such as Parmigianino and Raphael. The Saint's symbol is a barbed wheel with which she was originally tortured but saved by angels.

In times gone by olive picking in Italy began on November 25th 
the Feast day of St. Catherine of Alexandria,

St. Catherine of Alexandria in the Renaissance period was considered an inspirational model. Her life is described in the famous "Legenda Aurea" (tr. Golden Legend, a best seller in the Renaissance written by Jacobus de Voragine about the life of Saints) and remembered for her mystical marriage at the hands of baby Jesus. 

Recently I saw paintings and frescoes of St. Catherine of Alexandria in the Cathedral of Saint Nicholaus, Pietra Ligure (Savona) ~ Co-Cathedral of Ostuni (Brindisi) ~ Hospital of the Innocents, Florence ~ 

                                     --------------------

This is my third post of short stories entitled "Cake Stands for Cama": stories about my favorites starting with "C".  I hope you enjoyed it! 

--------------------- 

Original Posts by Roberta Niccacci -

FRIENDS OF CAMA 

Join the Facebook Page to Receive Blog Updates 

NEW!

Now on Twitter

"C" for "CHAMELEON"

In the Renaissance, the Chameleon was the symbol of Air. 

A few years ago I started the tradition of regularly traveling to Florence by train to visit the city. I have visited many places in the city so far: museums, churches, exhibitions, and each time I come back home feeling fulfilled. I am currently following the city of Florence on Facebook and Twitter for updates regarding temporary exhibitions. The last exhibition I saw was "Alchemy and the arts" which enabled me to complete research I originally started in Palazzo Vecchio. 

Indeed Palazzo Vecchio is my favorite historical building in the city, home of Cosimo I de' Medici, grand duke of Florence in the Renaissance period. This is where I discovered my greatest find: the studio of Francesco I de' Medici, Cosimo I's son. By looking up at the ceilings I noticed the four elements of the universe translated into symbols. With much joy, I saw the chameleon next to a rainbow. It was the symbol of air. 

Sometime before I had already chosen the chameleon as the mascot of Cama, because of the similarity of their names. Additionally, the chameleon adapts perfectly to its environment and can explore the world 360 degrees thanks to its eyes. Plus it has extra strength that comes from the lion in it. Our chameleon is made of the colors of the rainbow and is a girl! 

This is my second post of short stories entitled "Cake Stands for Cama": stories about my favorites starting with "C".  I hope you enjoyed it! 

----------------------------------------- 



Original Posts by Roberta Niccacci -

FRIENDS OF CAMA 

Join the Facebook Page to Receive Blog Updates 

NEW!

Now on Twitter

"C" for "CHANEL"

Pink is the color that comes to my mind
when I think of Chanel n.5

The refined town of Piegaro in Italy is twin city with Verneuil-en-Halatte, France where the famous Chanel perfume is produced. Piegaro at one time was also known as 'Little Paris' so this makes this event very romantic. 

The most wonderful compliment I ever received about my family's workshop is that of Cama - Chanel of Deruta. I will never forget it. Therefore such coincidences in my life along with other ones started to make me dream about a future in this tiny town where destiny had brought me out of the blue. 

Innovations
Before 1921 perfumes were made from the essence of single flowers.
Madame Chanel created the first bouquet of flowers, eightly of them. 

Regarding the subject of innovations, Madame Gabrielle Chanel with her Chanel n.5 invented the concept of perfume that we know nowadays, a bouquet of flowers. Before Gabrielle Chanel perfumes were made from one flower essence only. Because of the fact that the rose was way too romantic as an essence she ordered her personal parfumeur not to take roses into consideration, on the contrary he  included the rose to a bouquet of about eighty selected flower essences including mostly musk and jasmine.

 

My moving to Piegaro, Italy came out of the blue. 

  


This is my first post of short  stories entitled "Cake Stands for Cama": stories about my favorites starting with "C". 
















----------------------------------------- 



Original Posts by Roberta Niccacci -

FRIENDS OF CAMA 

Join the Facebook Page to Receive Blog Updates 

NEW!

Now on Twitter

Cake Stands for Cama

"Cake Stands for Cama": my play-on-words originating from the expression: "C" stands for Cama.

Soon on this blog a collection of ten short stories regarding people, emotions, facts, things, imaginary animals starting with "C" like in "Cama". These stories include notes of my dreams and my studies regarding Italian Renaissance Art. I wish you to enjoy my path of rebirth bringing new life to Cama. 

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook to receive updates!
www.facebook.com/friendsofcama
www.twitter.com/FriendsofCama