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A Divine Marvel: The Mosaic Floor of the Siena Cathedral with Dr. Kristin Stasiowski

A Divine Marvel: The Mosaic Floor of the Siena Cathedral with Dr. Kristin Stasiowski


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

The magnificent cathedral of Siena is a resplendent treasure of masterworks by artists such as Donatello, Michelangelo, and Bernini and includes monuments to artistic genius that span from the Middle Ages to the Baroque. One of the most splendid of these treasures is the 14th-16th century inlaid marble mosaic floor which is rarely available for visitors to see. This seminar invites participants to uncover and discover the rich and storied history of these intricate and symbolically relevant mosaics.

Led by an expert in Italian literature and culture, Kristin Stasiowski, Ph.D., this interactive seminar will introduce participants to the history, ritual, and culture of Siena as it is expressed through a selection of the 56 individual panels that comprise the mosaic floors of her cathedral. We will explore and discuss the medieval foundations of the cathedral complex; the foundational and spiritual mythology of the city (including the importance of the Virgin Mother to the myth of Siena), and much more. Participants will develop a broad cultural awareness of the way that the identity of Siena is inherently tied to the scenes and stories represented in these mosaics and will learn to look beyond the artistic genius to the deeper and more illuminating meaning of Siena’s most precious treasure.

Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with a nuanced understanding of and appreciation for the historical and artistic relevance of the mosaic floor of the Siena cathedral.

Kristin Stasiowski, Ph.D. is the Assistant Dean of International Programs and Education Abroad for the College of Arts and Sciences and is also an Assistant Professor of Italian Language and Literature in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages at Kent State University. She received her Ph.D. from Yale University in Italian Language and Literature and has taught Italian language, literature, cinema, history, and culture in both Florence, Italy, and at Kent State. She recently published a chapter entitled "A Divine Comedy for All Time: Dante's Enduring Relevance for the Contemporary Reader" in Italian Pop Culture: Media, Product, Imageries. Rome, Italy: Viella Editrice s.r.. Her current research is focused on Dante, Boccaccio, and the modern poet Clemente Rebora.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 40 reviews
80%
(32)
10%
(4)
3%
(1)
0%
(0)
8%
(3)
J
J.C. (Edison, US)
A World View Printed in Marble

This lecture and tour of the marble floor of Siena's Cathedral was nothing less than superb. The meaning and significance of these pictures are completely inaccessible to even a well-educated individual unless he/she has been schooled in religion and philosophical doctrines. Kristin brings us understanding. This was time not wasted.
Kristin also brings a sense of humor to her lectures.

I
I.B. (Leesburg, US)
Superbly Engrossing

This is the first time I have done an online seminar of this type. I was blown away by how interesting the talk was and the knowledge that Dr. Stasiowski imparts. I have lived in Italy a total of 6 years. Through living there and reading biographies and other books I have a fair knowledge of Italian history and art. I have been in the Duomo of Siena many times. I have never taken a course about any of it. The cohesive presentation of the art, philosophy and history was truly exceptional and totally engrossing!

D
D. (Vienna, US)
Transported to the Duomo of Siena

I kept hoping the talk would continue. The presentation was flawless. The knowledge was incredible. The excitement was contagious. Dr. Stasiowski is an educator par excellence !

D
D. (St. Catharines, CA)
Best yet!

I have visited the cathedral twice and, of course, spent much time looking at the floors, but I so wish I had seen her seminar first! I learned so much and it was so enjoyable. This was truly a wonderful experience!

C
C.C. (Lambertville, US)
Excellent

This analysis of the mosaic and carved floors of the Siena Cathedral was one of the best online lectures I've seen. I saw the cathedral twice in recent years and was surprised I'd never heard of it until recently because the interior is much more beautiful than many of the other better-known cathedrals I've seen throughout Europe. Dr. Stasiowski gave greater meaning to the beauty of the cathedral by providing the history of these amazing carvings. Her delivery was clear, to the point, and very detailed. I really enjoyed it.

Customer Reviews

Based on 40 reviews
80%
(32)
10%
(4)
3%
(1)
0%
(0)
8%
(3)
J
J.C. (Edison, US)
A World View Printed in Marble

This lecture and tour of the marble floor of Siena's Cathedral was nothing less than superb. The meaning and significance of these pictures are completely inaccessible to even a well-educated individual unless he/she has been schooled in religion and philosophical doctrines. Kristin brings us understanding. This was time not wasted.
Kristin also brings a sense of humor to her lectures.

I
I.B. (Leesburg, US)
Superbly Engrossing

This is the first time I have done an online seminar of this type. I was blown away by how interesting the talk was and the knowledge that Dr. Stasiowski imparts. I have lived in Italy a total of 6 years. Through living there and reading biographies and other books I have a fair knowledge of Italian history and art. I have been in the Duomo of Siena many times. I have never taken a course about any of it. The cohesive presentation of the art, philosophy and history was truly exceptional and totally engrossing!

D
D. (Vienna, US)
Transported to the Duomo of Siena

I kept hoping the talk would continue. The presentation was flawless. The knowledge was incredible. The excitement was contagious. Dr. Stasiowski is an educator par excellence !

D
D. (St. Catharines, CA)
Best yet!

I have visited the cathedral twice and, of course, spent much time looking at the floors, but I so wish I had seen her seminar first! I learned so much and it was so enjoyable. This was truly a wonderful experience!

C
C.C. (Lambertville, US)
Excellent

This analysis of the mosaic and carved floors of the Siena Cathedral was one of the best online lectures I've seen. I saw the cathedral twice in recent years and was surprised I'd never heard of it until recently because the interior is much more beautiful than many of the other better-known cathedrals I've seen throughout Europe. Dr. Stasiowski gave greater meaning to the beauty of the cathedral by providing the history of these amazing carvings. Her delivery was clear, to the point, and very detailed. I really enjoyed it.