Magnify/Collect:
Artist:
Jerry Di Falco
Title:
Blue Shadow
Price:
Year:
2019
Medium:
Size - (USA):
9 W x 12 H x 1 D (inches)
Size - (metric):
22.9 W x 30.5 H x 2.5 D (centimeters)
Theme:
Edition:
Original
Artwork ID:
631258
PDF Copy:
Artwork Description:
This original DiFalco etching is based on a photograph he took in 1987 while traveling around the south of France. He took the image and then made three graphite drawings from it, which he than used for his etching. DiFalco shot the photo in the village of Rennes le Chateau, France, at the Church of Mary Magdalene. This mystical site has a fascinating history that encompasses hidden treasure, conspiracy theories, the Holy Grail, and the Cathars. Thenarrative centers around a statue of Mary Magdalene, who is holding a large wood cross and urn, most probably filled with the expensive oil of lavender that she poured over Christs feet. What makes this statue and shrine unique is the skull that sits upon a book at Marys feet. The pages of this book are covered with a scribbled alphabet that resembles a cuneiform like code. The skull could represent a number of things including Golgotha, John the Baptist, Adam, or the resurrection of Christ. According to Wikipedia, this original church was almost certainly in ruins by the 10th or 11th century, when another church was built upon the site, remnants of which can be seen in Romanesque pillared arcades on the north side of the apse. This survived in poor repair until the 19th century, when Berenger Sauniere , the parish priest, renovated it. Di Falco’s etching, executed using the studio techniques of intaglio, drypoint and aquatint, was created on a zinc plate and developed in several Nitric acid baths. He used French, oil base etching ink on Stonehenge brand cream colored paper. The hand-printed editions were made on a Charles Brand industrial printing press at The Center for Works on Paper in Philadelphia. This print is from the LAST Edition of Four, with each edition limited to only five etchings. The etching print number is two of five. This specific work is dedicated to the novelist, Kathleen McGowan, who wrote a trilogy entitled The Magdalene Line.
Keywords:
Mary Magdalene, Rennes Le Chateau, Holy Grail, Knights Templar, Gold Treasure, Original Printmaking, Landmarks Printmaking
