Sunday, July 05, 2009

A VISIT TO DONNAFUGATA - 2


To my delight, there were three traditional carretti siciliani on display at Donnafugata and I was able to photograph these to my heart's content. The following paragraph about Sicilian carts is from a previous post of mine, so regular readers may like to skip it:

The Ancient Greeks brought the concept of a cart shaped in this way to the island but the painting of the vehicles did not begin until the second half of the nineteenth century, the purpose being to protect the wood from the sun and rain. The tradition continued into the early twentieth century and the painting became more and more ornate so that even when the carts were used by farm labourers, they showed off the wealth of the landowner. Scenes from folklore and legend were most often depicted and the red and yellow colours of Palermo's flag were frequently used. Sadly, nowadays the carts are found only in museums and, sadder still, the last traditional cart painter in Sicily may very soon be forced to give up his work. The various parts of the carts are now collectors' pieces, especially the plaque underneath the cart bearing the painter's name.

This is my first attempt at a slideshow!
Your pictures and fotos in a slideshow on MySpace, eBay, Facebook or your website!view all pictures of this slideshow

10 comments:

CherryPie said...

Such lovely details on the carts. The slideshow is great.

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Thanks, Cherie. I think the painting on these is amazing.

Unknown said...

Magnifico!

I love that slide show and the decorations on the carts are superb!

James Higham said...

Slideshow? Where?

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Grazie, Nick. I am pleased. It's showing in my browser, James.

Minnie said...

Yes thank you, Welshcakes - the slideshow is working. And it's beautiful. Those handcarts are works of art ...

Whispering Walls said...

That's fun - maybe you could persuade the last cart painter to put your portrait in a scene?

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Thanks, Phidelm. Relieved that it's working and pleased that you like the carts. I'll have to catch him quickly, WW!

Unknown said...

I do love Siclian carts and your slide show really shows them off! Lucky you to have been able to get such detailed shot.

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Welcome back, Lost. Thank you.

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