Depicting the ancient structure that protected the pilgrims
The courtyard of the Pilgrim Hospital in Majano during the #italiagrandsketchingtour.
Another incredible story was awaiting for me in Majano in the ancient Hospital of San Giovanni and San Tomaso. This structure was created in the 12th Century, during the crusades period, to protect and host the pilgrims and soldiers traveling to Jerusalem.
Arrived in front of the construction I tried the door that looked closed but by great surprise it was not. A volunteer, that takes care of the structure, welcomed me and showed me around and told me story of the structure, that is particularly important as the last remaining hospital in the area and that has been completed restored in the past few years to be back to its original role to host people passing in the area. I sat in the shadow to draw the courtyard, and in particular the main facade that is copying the features of Christ tomb in Jerusalem, with the typical arched windows.
After drawing the place, I was chatting with the lady and she told me about the meeting they had inside since now the structure hosts also meetings and events. At a certain point a man came out and she showed him my drawing and he invited me inside to draw the people in the conference. It was a big jump out of my comfort zone because I’m not so good in sketching people. Also I felt a bit of pressure because I discovered it was the meeting of the bigs of a company of the area and I felt the pressure of doing good. But the cool thing is that once I started, the mind concentrated on the drawing and the time flew and the result was not so bad either. I left the drawing with the boss, I wonder if he still has it.
Title of the painting ‘The courtyard of the Pilgrim Hospital in Majano’
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
