This dramatic scene was painted by Paolo Veronese during the Counter-Reformation. The Church, reeling from years of corruption and the rise of Protestantism, relied on works like these to promote the importance and validity of the sacraments. And martyrs were meant to serve as role models to Catholics. The idea was, “Hey, look what this person is willing to go through for their faith!”
I thought it would be fun to have an actual artist on the podcast! So today, I’m joined by Bruce Campbell, one of the Gallery’s longtime copyists. We discuss technique and what he discovered while copying this painting he describes as operatic.
Lucy was one tough lady. Despite being born into a noble Sicilian family in the third century, she became a Christian at a time when Christians were being persecuted mercilessly. She stood up to an abusive Roman governor and died speaking her truth to power.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (21.5MB)
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS
SHOW NOTES
“A Long Look” theme is “Ascension” by Ron Gelinas youtu.be/jGEdNSNkZoo
Episode theme is “Adoramus te Christe” composed by Giovanni Palestrina. Performed by Słowiki Choir. Courtesy of musopen.org
https://musopen.org/music/4209-adoramus-te-christe/
St Lucy information
https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.63264.html#overview
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Lucy
de Voragine, Jacobus. The Golden Legend. Anno Press, NY 1969
Counter Reformation information
https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/world-history/renaissance-and-reformation/protestant-reformation/v/introduction-to-the-protestant-reformation-the-counter-reformation-4-of-4
Bruce Campbell information
www.atelierbic.com
Slow Art Day http://www.slowartday.com
Hi Bob
So glad you enjoyed it!
The copyist interview & “Martyrdom is never pretty” were added bonuses.
Hi Cynthia
Thanks for listening, I’m glad you enjoyed this episode. Bruce was a delightful guest!
You do great work Bruce! You are a wonderful artist n I’m so very proud of you! Dramatic painting of Lucy in bliss receiving the Holy Communion, not really concerned about being stabbed but ready to receiver her Holy Communion soon to
meet her Maker. What faith!
Please keep me posted for your upcoming show in March. Thank you so much Karen for the interview Bruce Campbell. I throughly enjoyed the interview and the information regarding the portrait and what it portrayed. 👏🏼👏🏼🙏🏽🙏🏽😊