One of the things I like best about being active on Facebook are the “memories” that pop up often from my past posts. I like being reminded of my fortunate years in beautiful Italy.

From Facebook I am reminded that two years ago today I spent the day on the “Piero della Francesca trail.” My good friend, Larissa, and I spent the day driving through central Italy on the trail. It was a beautiful summer day and I enjoyed it immensely. The art was, as always, the highlight.

Madonna del Parto, by Renaissance master Piero della Francesca, is a fresco completed in only seven days. Piero used only the best pigments, including a lapis lazuli pigment imported by the Republic of Venice from Afghanistan. The fresco was originally completed in the Santa Maria di Momentana church in the town of Monterchi, Tuscany, but it was broken off in an earthquake in 1785. The fresco was relocated to its current location in 1992. In the 20th century, the painting has been a source of inspiration for books, poems, and even a feature film.

What you see in my Facebook memory is just a detail of the overall work.

The Madonna del Parto is one of the greatest works of Piero della Francesca. Standing in the middle of a canopy made of precious brocade, Our Lady, heavy with child, reveals herself to the faithful. Two angels hold the tent canopy open allowing the faithful to admire the Virgin, majestic and solemn yet humble at the same time. The fresco was made around the middle of the ffteenth century in the church of Santa Maria di Momentana which no longer exists. It has been in this museum since 1992, right in the middle of an educational trail introducing visitors to the life and works of Piero della Francesca.

http://www.travelingintuscany.com/art/pierodellafrancesca/madonnadelparto.htm