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Sistine Chapel

vatican.va

171–180 of 246 posts

Re: Sistine Chapel

#171

Hah, got me thinking maybe PG's pre-Viaweb startup idea to put art galleries on the Web was just too far ahead of its time[1]. [1] http://paulgraham.com/bronze.html

VRML was a big deal back in 1994. At least it was supposed to be ;-)

I'm 90% sure the vatican did this basilicas 3D browser in VRML more than a decade ago but I can't seem to find any proof on archive.org :)

Re: Sistine Chapel

#172
post #160

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Don't make that attribution error of associating the patron with the artist. Yes, religion was the primary patron of visual, sculptural, and musical arts for much of the period from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment. But it wasn't the only. And you'll find beautiful works among the secularist of the Classical and Romantic periods, say, the Pre-Raphaelites. Of whom neither the artists, models, nor subject are gener…

Bach was deeply religious, and not just because of some lap-dog sense of "that's who's paying the bills." He signed most of his works as "SDG", short for "Soli Deo Gloria", which roughly translates as "to God alone belongs all glory. His meaning being that any ability Bach thought he had was solely just God showing off: Bach made beautiful music, but God made Bach, and he knew it.

It's also an era-fitting and socially acceptable way to humble-brag, if I'm wearing my cynic hat.

Re: Sistine Chapel

#173

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Having tried the Oculus Rift, the potential to experience this would be incredible. Although there's nothing quite like just sitting on a worn stone bench alone in a cathedral, just the chill air around you. It often makes me wish for a non-religious religion -- just a refuge of tranquility.

Mankind has made the most incredible art inspired by religion. Along the same lines, Bach's Chorales and in fact quite a bit of his other work. Try this, if you feel like some really nice classical music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC3Upv8DuRQ

I don't think you can attribute most incredible art to be inspired by religion, considering that during those times, art (sometimes just ideas) that lacked religious conformity were dealt with severity. Perhaps the reason there is so much art that is inspired by religion because not much else survived.

This brings a famous bit by George Carlin (I think) to my mind - ...It start's when we are kids, we are told to be creative and to colour within the lines... (paraphrased)

Re: Sistine Chapel

#174
post #167

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Having tried the Oculus Rift, the potential to experience this would be incredible. Although there's nothing quite like just sitting on a worn stone bench alone in a cathedral, just the chill air around you. It often makes me wish for a non-religious religion -- just a refuge of tranquility.

a non-religious religion is what I dream about too! After many years despising religion (I am Italian, I know what Rome actually means) I traveled the world and learned that religion actually serves some high purposes. I really miss being religious, so if you build a non-religious one, count me in! sounds almost like a good start-up idea :)

The Sunday Assembly [0] might be of interest. I've only read of it recently but it's an interesting idea. Church for the atheists.

[0] http://sundayassembly.com/

Re: Sistine Chapel

#176
post #106

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Also your neck is not meant to really look up for very long periods of time.

Upvoted. I just imagined Michaelangelo giving you a knowing nod of agreement. Not the most ergonomic surface to paint on.

Didn't he do a lot of the painting lying down?

Re: Sistine Chapel

#177
post #106

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Also your neck is not meant to really look up for very long periods of time.

Upvoted. I just imagined Michaelangelo giving you a knowing nod of agreement. Not the most ergonomic surface to paint on.

Didn't he do a lot of the painting lying down?

Re: Sistine Chapel

#179
post #167

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Having tried the Oculus Rift, the potential to experience this would be incredible. Although there's nothing quite like just sitting on a worn stone bench alone in a cathedral, just the chill air around you. It often makes me wish for a non-religious religion -- just a refuge of tranquility.

a non-religious religion is what I dream about too! After many years despising religion (I am Italian, I know what Rome actually means) I traveled the world and learned that religion actually serves some high purposes. I really miss being religious, so if you build a non-religious one, count me in! sounds almost like a good start-up idea :)

"Science saved my soul" is a nice non-religious experience. Makes you feel humble and all-powerful at once: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6w2M50_Xdk

Re: Sistine Chapel

#180
Now if they could only add in bing-like hyperlinks to every depictable image in there so I could actually know what I'm looking at!

Very, very beautiful site though and wonderfully fresh idea coming from such an arcane institution. I like it a lot.

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