DANCE OF DEATH AND CHURCH ART - 15TH AND 21ST CENTURIES

It is always amazing that wherever you go, even not knowing anything about an area, there is always something to see of interest on your doorstop.  Here at Carisolo, just 15 mins walk from our tent, is a this well known church  of St. Stefano – with outside and indoor frescoes painted in 15th C but church been here since 11th C.  The paintings were good enough outside but stunning inside (restored)



Down one wall was a huge mural of the Last Supper and, in a special exhibition that was just on for the summer, some talented glass-blower had faithfully recreated the fresco in coloured glass.  Fishes on the plates, knives, loaves of bread, wine – quite brilliant.  Also on the right hand side there is a red  rawn (abundant in local rivers at the time) on the floor – we nearly picked it up until we saw it was part of the painting! 



Wouldn’t want the glass on my mantlepiece but can appreciate the skill.

Difficult to see on the outside, on the second row down, but repeated in another nearby church is the Dance of Death -  in which the skeletons shadow the rich and poor and great and lowly in a long procession from beginning to end ie Death will get you all regardless of money or position.
The theme was widespread in Europe in the 14-1600s and if you are really interested, this link will tell you more.

We listened to a great audio tour about all the frescoes - lots of saints and St. Stephen in particular with his stoning to death fairly prominent.

Reminded us of all the volunteers at home at churches and other local functions – without them so much would be lost culturally.  This church is only open in the summer and manned for several hours each day to prevent further thefts of the irreplaceable contents.