The Vatican Observer
January 1516

Applications

With the darkest time of the year passed, the first month of the year is seen by many as a time of change and renewal and in remembrance of the birth of Our Lord Jesus a time of new beginnings. The clergy of Rome, however, took no inducement from such omens and few sought to advance their standing.

The sole exception, Gilberto Grimandi, decided to ally his fortunes with those of the Farnese, joining their ranks as a Deacon. Word has it it came as some surprise to him to be immediately called on mission and that he had many plans for the month ahead in Rome. Still, Deacon Grimandi may take comfort in the knowledge that though he may not have spent his month in the comfort he would have chosen he has at least spent it in useful service to His Holiness.

Around the markets

The markets of Rome were again quiet this month, with so many currently on missions. Canon Gagliardi was seen making the rounds as usual, word has it he was due to go on mission also this month but through some oversight did not file the correct documents in good time. His misfortune is the traders' boon in these lean times, and he was seen purchasing a number of curious instruments of astronomical and mechanical nature, has the Canon some new project in view perhaps for the coming year? Maestro Facente too was seen in the craftsman's quarter, purchasing his customary supplies of inks, papers, oils and candles for his own great works.

Deacon Penaccini saw off the season's inclement weather in his club, where he was seen making full use of their well-stocked cellars and kitchens, the Deacon had just joined the Quirinal and glad they must be to have him if word of the amounts he spent on enjoying their fine hospitality is correct. The Deacon is said to be becoming one of the foremost epicures in Rome, and with Canon Gagliardi seemingly spending more on optics than his table Rome has it seems a new leader (after His Holiness, of course) when it comes to matters of taste and discernment. Deacon Clementi sought also to maintain a well stocked larder, but with the snows upon us it seems the markets had but little suitable for him (perhaps the Quirinal had purchased it all for Deacon Penaccini?) and so Deacon Clementi was seen departing with a selection of pickled fish and salted meats with which he looked none too happy. Let us hope the Spring brings better fortune to the young gentleman.

And so we have it, some turn from the table, some find the provender on offer not to their liking. We are in the darkest part of the year dear friends, and as the months start to grow warmer we shall all be glad to see the markets once again full of fresh produce and full of eager buyers. Until then, we must all make do as best we can and hope for better times.

Debates

Gentle readers, this month Rome has been sadly bereft of the joys of the arts rhetorical. Perhaps the Winter chill and lack of parties is to blame, and with so many on Missions spending their energies in service rather than dispute. We must hope indeed that next month shall see greater disputation, though I fear it may well be March and the return from the Missions before we are again blessed with that most noble of pasttimes, the learned debate.

Court Companionship

It was another quiet start, with the first two weeks passing by before any young man was seen seeking companionship of any sort. Even after that, it was still a month with very little real activity, although at least one Priest learned that perseverance is the key to success.

The first activity of the month came in the third week, with Borgia Deacon Valentino Clementi choosing to ignore the advantages of seeking a real connection to court and instead visiting a Salon. Might I suggest that his time would be better spent seeking the advice of, say, Lucia, rather than that of some unknown and obscure member of the Court at a public house?

Aldobrandini Priest Vittorio Gregorio Magliano, on the other hand, showed the proper spirit. With due humility and a pure heart, he sought to gain knowledge by visiting the well-heeled and well-connected lady Ginevra at her home on one of the finer streets of Roma. Unfortunately, she was in a bad mood that week and flatly refused to come to the door to meet this paragon; the entreaties of the young man and the prodding of her attendants seemed to be of no avail.

Ah, but then came week four and another visit. Refusing to take "No", sight unseen, for an answer, the good Father showed his mettle and returned to the lady's door. A pleasant surprise awaited him when she met him personally at the door and immediately invited him in, apologizing profusely for her treatment of him the previous week. He was most gracious in his acceptance of her words of remorse and the two spent a pleasant week conversing.

I shall hope for some more news next week, but it seems unlikely that much shall occur with so few of those knowledgeable in the matters of the Court still available for consultation. Still, hope springs eternal as they say.

A Martial Composition at the Papal Ball

Miei amici,

The beginning of the month saw a strange echo of last November's Grand Ball at the Medici Palace, albeit with a completely unexpected twist. As then, many of Roma's cognoscenti and illuminati were away at the Papal Missions, or absent for other business, but the very same two of Roma's most noteworthy were in attendance.

Canon and Papal Translator, Bartolomeo Gagliardi, arrived with his companion of the court, Francesca, and it was commented upon that they made a fine pair. Francesca's easy grace and inimate knowledge of the court has prospered more than one of Roma's luminaries.

Maestro Domenico Facente was again seen with his advisor and companion of the Court, Claudia. These two have become a well-known pair in the upper circles; many expect that Claudia might also become the great musician's advisor in confidential matters.

It was noted that both the Canon and the Maestro again displayed an acceptably current knowledge of the etiquette of the court.

However, later in the evening, afer the groaning tables were reduced to mere islands of comestible tidbits, and the dessert wines were flowing, came an event that had the scandal-mongers rubbing their hands with glee. Moreso, because it was as unexpected and unforeseeable as if a Tartar had appeared and sought an audience with the Pope.

It has been long since anyone has chosen to remark upon the Maestro's oddity of parlance, namely, that he struggles wth common speech while singly flawlessly or conversing learnedly in Latin. By now, many have simply indicated that this is but one more facet of the Maestro's refined and aethereal nature. As well, his devotion to the Arts has always implied an outwardly pacific nature, though no one would deny his inner fire or his fervor at performance.

Well, it seems that one of the other, less talented hangers-on at the Palace sought to make the Maestro the butt of his wit. By that time, both were well into their cups and the maestor was improvising, to the delight of many, a musical bacchanale. The ease with which the urbane, if somewhat tipsy, composer turned aside the other's barbs seemed to infuriate the Maestro's verbal opponent. Then, something extraordinary happened. It is not known what the other man said, leaning close and looking slyly aside at Claudia, but there was a flurry of movement and the two were raining blows one upon the other. It ended quickly as the Maestro's opponent was laid flat by what would more properly be termed a forceful shove than a blow, but nonetheless, the guards separated the two quickly, much to the dismay of the delighted onlookers, who were already pronouncing the fiery composer the victor and applauding.

Pope Leo was the picture of stern decorum-- after he had had a chance to wipe the surprised smile from his face.

The poor fool who had opposed Facente broke free from his guard and waggled his finger in the Maestro's face. Spittle was spraying everywhere as he screamed, "He struck me! He struck me! Fine him-- fine him 60 ducats!"

To an uproar of laughter, Facente replied, "Make it one hundred and twenty" and laid the fellow out unconscious, with a single blow from one hand.

Despite the fact that the 120 ducat fine was indeed assessed, it should be noted that not the slightest social odium accrued to Facente. Indeed, there was an immediate request for an epic lay of the battle, which the Maestro politely declined, indicating that he would not glorify so inconsequential an event.

E finito.

Ineamus Ad Discendum Exeamus Ad Merendum

The schools and Collegio were again active this month past, with all manner of scholastic endeavours undertaken.

In the first week Deacon Ficolo of the Gonzaga was deep in study at the Juvenal School of Wit. It has been said that the Deacon, though subtle of thought and learned in many ways, is a slow speaker as yet and at times finds inspiration lacking when the need strikes. He has made, however, much progress it would seem in these recent studies and his tutors were saying that he had noticeably improved and spoke now with greater confidence and more importantly could turn a phrase with less preparation than was previously the case. By contrast, Deacon Penaccini of the Sforza was seen resting at the Quirinal and enjoying it's fine table, deep in conversation with his companion Lusanna. Studies happen not just in schools my friends, and who can say what wisdom Lusanna was able to pass on to the young gentleman on this occasion?

With the second week, the schools became more active. Deacon Clementi, a most promising young man and noted for his learning, spent the week in earnest practice at the Cato School of Presence. Canon Gagliardi commenced a new course at the Pliny School of Art, a subject in which he has shown no prior interest curiously enough. The Canon it is said spent his time primarily with sculpture and sketching, but to what end is as yet unclear. Deacon Penaccini meanwhile continued to revel at the Quirinal, being seen engrossed at the gaming table where it is said he gambled heavily losing slightly more than he won. By all accounts fortune was not with him that week, but those present noted that his skill seemed improved to that he had displayed heretofore and it would seem his exacting study of the tables has improved his talents if not increased his Ducats. Deacon Ficolo, seeking refuge perhaps from the gusting winds and increasing snow, was seen to ensconce himself with his companion Sophia at the Esquiline where they were seen in deep discussion, broken only by the occasional game of backgammon or chess. It would appear that Sophia has a fondness for such games, and believes their practice in turn encourages the development of concentration and swift analysis.

The third week saw Canon Gagliardi continue his artistic studies, Deacon Penaccini tired of the gaming table and was seen in most careful attendance at the Horace School of Etiquette. Perhaps court beckons soon for the good Deacon? Deacon Ficolo continued his own course of study with Sophia at the Esquiline, and spent a most pleasant week in that most pleasant of establishments.

And so to the fourth week. The schools were if anything yet more active as the month closed, with Canon Gagliardi in his third consecutive week of artistic study, Deacon Penaccini turning to the study of Oratory at the Cicero School and Deacon Clementi following Deacon Penaccini's earlier lead and so studying Etiquette at the Horace School. Truly Deacons Penaccini and Clementi will be most well rounded individuals following such diligent endeavours. Deacon Ficolo spent a third week with Sophia at the Esquiline, the two were seen laughing together and enjoying sometimes spirited debates and it is clear that a true and deep friendship has formed between the Deacon and his most astute compantion.

Most studious of all though we have not yet mentioned, the Maestro Facente. Not content with teaching for three weeks continuous at the Tacitus School of Administration, where he is now said to be most sought of the many excellent tutors at that fine school, the Maestro also submitted his new composition to the Collegio. The work in question, a treatise on Archaeology we understand, saw unanimous and unqualified approval and was swiftly accepted, and the more senior men of that august body were heard later to say that the Maestro for all his occasional lack of ready words has one of the finest minds in all Rome.

Sacred Mass

How beautiful it is to see a pious man at his prayer. And how sad it is to see that while some are an example to all, some are in sore need of that example.

In the first week, both Deacon Capellini and Padre Magliano were seen deep in prayer, the Padre accompanied by his Companion Costanza. The Padre returned with Costanza in the second week, again clearly taking deep joy in the sombre yet moving ritual of this most vital of ceremonies. Deacon Capellini too returned, this time in the fourth week, to partake once more of that eternal spring from which no traveller returns unrefreshed, the spring of hope and faith itself, the Holy Mass.

And yet, where were the other men of Rome? Some struggle for the faith and for orthodoxy on Missions, but when did Canon Gagliardi last attend a mission or a mass? Why can some find time for leisure at their club but not for that most sublime of all pleasures, the receiving of the grace of the Most High? It is for those of high station to lead by example those of lesser, and we here call upon Canon Gagliardi and all others of his rank to show their faith by showing their presence next month at mission or mass.

Court and Social

The Pope will travel to Bologna this coming month to attend the current Mission, where, in the first week, he shall address the Farnese.

Upcoming Debates

LV v FC (over Elena)

Positions Vacant

Councillor for Concord
Administration Tutors
Art Tutors
Etiquette Tutors
Oratory Tutors

Men of the Cloth / Men of Steel

Last month Archbishop de Gregori was witness to the humiliation and fall from grace of his immediate superior Cardinal Quintus. This month de Gregori was yet again reminded of the frailty of man and the inconsequential nature of temporal power as Quintus’ replacement, Cardinal Entre, did not last even a month in Bolgna before he too was sent back to Rome in disgrace. Despite all the assistance de Gregori gave the Cardinal on his arrival in order to allow him to take up his duties it seems that the newly appointed Leader made some terrible social error in a private meeting with Cardinal de Medici. So great was the offence caused that de Medici insisted he immediately be removed from Bologna and the Cardinal spend an uncomfortable three days in a small inn outside it’s limits whilst his return journey was arranged. In those three days the Assistant Delegation Leader, Patriach Ensestus, acted as a go between between Entre and de Medici but in his strenuous efforts to bring a peaceful resolution to the incident he appeared to overstep the mark and he too incurred de Medici’s displeasure. When Entre left Bologna to return to Rome the Patriach kept him company.

Bereft of the men they were tasked to assist and advise both Archbishop de Gregori and Canon Blatti worked together to stop the various factions present from falling apart without guidance. They met often with the faction leaders and spoke at length with Cardinal de Medici to ensure him that the delegation would carry out their duties without pause and that the Pope’s hand of friendship was still extended to Bologna despite this series of unfortunate events. As the month wore on Cardinal de Medici came to treat Archbishop de Gregori as if he were in fact the delegation leader and Canon Blatti as his assistant and the patch could hardly be seen. For the great trouble they went to, to ensure that the Archbishop and Patriach were not noticeable by their absence, both men received praise from His Holiness and a small gift to show his thanks.

Whilst none could deny that Archbishop de Gregori’s exodus from the Farnese embrace last month was a grave loss for the faction, it appears that they are blessed with equally gifted individuals ready to step in and take his place. Seemingly growing day by day to fill the void left by the Archbishop’s departure Canon Enzo di Vitelli has proven to be as astute and ambitious a faction leader as his predecessor and Cardinal de Medici bestowed the Canon with a number of small gifts throughout the month. These small offerings were overshadowed however by the gift given in the closing days of the month when in front of the assembled delegation, which had gathered to watch a display of travelling troubadours, Cardinal de Medici presented the Canon with a scroll secured by the Pope’s seal. The scroll informed de Vitelli that His Holiness had received much praise concerning his leadership of the Farnese and therefore thought it only fitting that de Vitelli continue to lead them as their Bishop.

Under the guidance of de Vitelli, Padre de Gambetti was also spoken of highly throughout the month as were Deacons Valetti and Grimandi. This came as a great surprise to Deacon Grimandi who had only just been accepted into the Farnese and had seemed somewhat surprised to find himself immediately sent to Bologna, in fact it was he who carried the Pope’s message to the Cardinal. Even the glorious Farnese are not without their troubles however and one of de Vitelli’s first duties as a Bishop was to defrock two Subdeacons under his dominion who allowed themselves to be lured aside from the path of honest work and had wavered in their duties.

Padre Zamboni’s and the third chapter of the Barberini continued to receive Cardinal de Medici benefaction this month and Zamboni was allowed to sit privately with the Cardinal after a state feast and again shortly before the Troubadour’s display. What the two spoke of we may never know, but it is suspected that His Holyness approved of whatever path the conversations took for the Padre is to be rewarded with a tin medal struck in his honour and a sizable gift of ducats from Papal coffers. Following the second of these meetings Swiss Guard Majors di Miteli and del Carnevale spent some time away from the delegation with the Cardinal’s own men-at-arms and for their labours received praise and a small gratuity. Whether their task drew upon di Miteli’s art appreciation is not known and neither Major was forthcoming with an explanation.

The Scholars and Missionaries continued to labour in an effort to rebuild their tattered reputations. The Missionary faction worked exclusively with the poor of Bologna this month and carried out their duties as well as any would hope. A Deacon within their number, Deacon Umberto Tarantella, was particularly well spoken of for spending three days praying over a merchant’s mother as she passed away and her son’s gratitude to the church resulted in Deacon Tarantella receiving a paragraph all to himself in Archbishop de Gregori’s report.

The Scholars had a most unusual and artistic month as the majority were assigned to assist Cardinal de Medici’s count composer in the construction of his latest work. He sought to include in his own work reflections of great works of the past and it was the scholar’s duty to locate these works and then deconstruct them for his use. However a small number of the Scholars were diverted to assist another of de Medici’s artistic protégés and they were tasked with standing around very still for days on end to assist the artist in his creation of a large biblical scene covering three walls within a newly constructed chapel. It was a task that Padre Endue announced to be beneath such a man of learning, sadly his very strenuous refusal to have anything more to do with it reached the ears of de Cardinal de Medici and the Padre was scoulded at great length for such a display of Pride. Stefano Zanetti, who has benefited greatly from his time spent in Bologna, became a favourite of the artist and is believed to be represented by no less than four figures within the finished piece. For his time spent as a muse Zanetti received lavish praise and a sizable gift to remember this most diverting assignment.

On Archaeology

Discourse

One may ask: “What conditions and circumstances must transpire for an object to be the subject of discourse” Such a question appears to be relevant when an object, at some time, or indeed any time, when discrete historical conditions exist that allow people to recognize the significance of an object and give voice to their opinions. For it may be stated that discourse to occur there need not be universal agreement. Indeed, there need not be a significant number of people that even recognize the importance of an object in order for that object to have influence upon the present. By this one does not wish to reduce an object to the caprices of taste, nor simply state that an object of art is good or bad. Such terms are indicative of the time in which they are viewed. If an example may be offered, many works of religious art in previous centuries, not long past, but before the use of perspective and forced perspective, are now considered crude by some. Rather, in such discourse more complex matters must be taken up which are often felt but seldom addressed.

In my own opinion there is a natural conflict between the intellect and the emotions, as other more poetic gentlemen have stated Apollo and Dionysus are always in varying degrees of conflict. This point is often the origin of discourse regarding ancient objects. Not in their actual historic context, id est., the possible pagan use of a statue or structure but rather the motivation of the artist in his construction of a piece. Therefore, when a thing, an object, begins by to inscribe itself upon the relationship with other objects it is eminently worthy of study and discussion. In this regard one may rightly state that an object from antiquity is in actuality rein scribing itself in current society because of its previous influence and importance in another society.

The objects of our ancestors; principally statuary and architecture, have more than mere influence upon the thinking, execution, and aesthetics of modern artists. Such a conclusion is extremely facile. Thus, the statement that the Art of the ancients is ‘good’ and merits imitation is insufficient, as is the statement that it is important and merits study. Terms such as; good, bad, important, and insignificant are subjective and bring little to the possible reasons we are affected by a given thing.

As statues have been unearthed, rediscovered, and seen once more became, continue to be conducive to our beginning to understand and appreciate that which had been done long before our presence. Such conditions are numerous, difficult, and only by the Grace of Our Lord have we found some measure of wisdom to allow us, presently to perceive the relevance of such works. One should examine an object, admire its proportions, and the skill of the execution but also contemplate its significance, and meditate upon why we are affected by the object. Then, possibly, we may be able to understand our relationship to an object, its relationship to us, and its relationship to other objects.

As one may imagine it is difficult to state something new or make pronouncements upon various pieces and structures without appearing pretentious or vain. Yet, it is not enough to open one’s eyes and seeing in a new manner, nor being attentive to the geometry of a work, for proportions alone does not make a work moving. It is most important to be aware and attentive to the reasons that an old object may appear new and brilliant, but even then that is only a beginning. Whether there are new thoughts and new statements that are valid, honest, and are of some importance are fundamental questions that must be allowed to be addressed. To write, only to write, is vanity. Yet, I hope that there are new thoughts and new methods that may be provoked by the study of the ancient. It is my sincere belief that the unearthing of ancient statuary has presented artists of the present and near past with alternative forms of Art that could not be ignored, and therefore influenced their own work. The monetary and social conditions which permitted this confrontation would require an history of such conditions, discrete but related to the present subject, of such length and digression that it would not serve to prompt a discourse upon Archeology nor the influence of antiquities upon the Art of the present day.

After some months of consideration I have concluded that there are five aspects of any work that affect us. There will undoubtedly be some who disagree with my conclusions, and this is all to the good because I do not have sole custody of this subject. It is my intention to interest others in study, discourse, and hopefully an exchange of productive thought. I believe the five most important aspects are these: resemblance, proximity or nearness, distance, difference, and transformation. These aspects are not mutually exclusive, and indeed several may coexist in a single object. Now, I must define these terms and allow the reader to agree, or dispute, my interpretations.

Resemblance

Does an ancient work bear resemble us, and our present condition? Often the answer is decidedly yes. Many of the statues unearthed resemble various living persons to such a degree that they could have been modeled upon someone familiar to us. It may be that the original was intended to be the representation of some pagan god, but it bears a resemblance to a man or woman usually of uncommon beauty who walks among us. One very common theme is the rather numerous renditions of what has come to be known as the “Thorn Picker”. These are statues of persons ranging in age from children to adults simply removing a thorn from the sole of the foot. This unpretentious position has been adopted by many modern artists and incorporated into their work not only because of the numerous examples but because the physical posture was so well defined as rendered by the ancients. The same may be said of the many torsos, such as the Torso Belvedere.

Proximity

Often the proximity, or nearness, of objects has the unusual effect of diminishing their relative importance. Here, in Roma, the very stones of the ancient via are ignored because they are so much a part of the city they remain unremarkable. Even a structure as grand as the Coliseum makes little impression on the in habitants. These roads and edifices have been there before the birth of any person for centuries and remain unremarkable to those who are not visitors, foreigners, or students of engineering. It is an understandable attitude that those who have known nothing else see nothing more than their home. However, the inverse is true when a new object is discovered within, or close by the city. It is then that even common people take notice and often find a use for the object that may have been unintended. Pasquino would be an example of the appropriation of an object by the people for their own purposes.

Distance

Distance does not only refer to physical distance but also to the chronological distance of objects. The first case, physical distance may mean the distance traveled, whether it is to Tivoli or Ostia. As stated in the previous section on proximity distance does inspire more intense curiosity, and therefore scrutiny. There is also in this same current the distance of ownership and exclusivity. An object is thought to be more worthy of study if it is less accessible. Those pieces held in private collections, or restricted areas are more sought after than those that may readily be seen. Then there is that school of thought that considers those pieces known to be of a greater age to be inherently better by virtue of their antiquity. Thus a piece thought to be produced during the period of the Republic is thought to be superior to a piece produced during a later period of the Empire. Those thought to come from the Greek settlements are given the highest praise because they are imitations of the highest level of the Greek mastery.

Difference

Difference is most easily understood when the object has a decidedly pagan, mythological, or fanciful nature which is beyond our initial comprehension. It is also apparent by the remnants of the apparently huge sculptures that remain about the city. Some of these fragments are of such size that to extrapolate the possible dimensions are beyond comprehension. Even the largest of Michelangelo’s works would be dwarfed by the size of the monuments erected by the ancients. Also those works, of any size, that depict satyrs, fauns and the like are seen as monstrous and often demonic.

Transformation

Finally, as stated, an ancient work influences artist of the present. And, in doing so transforms the methods and composition of the contemporary artist. This can be seen in numerous examples of painting and sculpture. The emphasis of the ancients on the rendition of the human form is apparent is many great works of recent artists. While one would think that sculpture would influence sculpture it has also transformed the art of painting as well.

For those of us who are not artists transformation occurs individually, and with some subtlety. It is at that point that when we cease to view an object as coming from a particular period and shed the restrictions of analysis. It is at that moment when an object is seen as fresh and without history, as though it were newly arrived that we, and the object, are transformed.

Presented to the Collegio Romano by,
Domenico Facente