The city that looks like a star and expands on itself
The Star Square of Palmanova during the #italiagrandsketchingtour.
After almost ten days it is time to get back on the road but again is not indefinite, because I have a deadline at the end of September to be back in Trieste for my first exhibition with my friends of the Artist Coaching Course with my Maestro Leonardo Calvo. Since I have only a couple of weeks I decided to focus on visiting my region, Friuli Venezia Giulia and all those places that I always heard about but never had the time or the opportunity to visit.
My first stop is Palmanova, a town that in Friuli is connected with the idea of the outlet. I have never been there nor to the town itself, and it is a pity because it is a very beautiful and historical town.Â
The star fort construction
It is in fact famous because it is a perfectly conserved example of a star fort of the late Renaissance. It is built literally as a star, because starting from the central square it grows in concentric rounds to be the perfect defensive city. It was built by the Venetian Republic in 1593, following the ideals of a utopia, from the concept of Sir Thomas More that idealized a society based on a major theme: equality. Everyone had the same amount of wealth, respect, and life experiences. And the cities had to be built to allow this opportunity.
Due to its uniqueness, the fortifications were included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list as part of Venetian Works of Defence between 15th and 17th centuries.
Sitting in the main square, I was mesmerized by its beauty and I found very hard choosing what to draw because the whole square is very monumental and beautiful. I wish I could paint a long drawing with a 360 degree view. But it was not the case this time, so I choose to draw the Doge’s Cathedral of Palmanova with its imposing bell tower, sparkling white stone that overlooks the square and all the towns activities.
Title of the painting ‘The Star Square of Palmanova’
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
