A Island with a thousand souls
The Church of Saint Nicholas in Mazara del Vallo for playing with perspective during the #italiagrandsketchingtour.
Walking in the old city, through the narrow streets that characterize Mazara del Vallo, you end up in the harbor on the Mazara river. Just facing the water there is the Church of Saint Nicholas. This is a surprising view for me because the architectural style is something totally unexpected for a church. And rightfully so, because there are only few examples of Norman churches, and this was founded in 1124.
This continue surprises is something I love in Sicily. The history is so rich that you never know what you will find.
Think about it: founded by the Phoenicians, it passed under the control of Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Ostrogoths, Byzantines, before being occupied by the Arabs in the year 827 AD and later conquered by the Normans in 1072 AD. It is incredible that each population left signs of its passage that survive until nowadays making this region a unique mixture of cultures and roots. There is so much to explore, so much to know, so much to understand. It is like being in a life long riddle.
Title of the Painting ‘Church of Saint Nicholas in Mazara del Vallo’
This is a painting from the Italia Grand Sketching Tour Collection, a series of original ink and watercolor paintings done on location during my tour to discovery the marvelous Italian heritage. All paintings are also available as numbered and originally signed prints.
The painting is also featured in the book about my motorbike Italian tour. By acquiring this work you will get to know better Italy also thanks to a personalized story about this place that I will include in the package.
Painting information:
- Watercolor and ink on white paper
- Size 19 x 28.5 cm (7.5 x 11.2 inches)
- Shipped in a box
- Certificate of authenticity will be sent with the painting
