Posts | William Stewart

October 11, 2013February 18, 2022

Ravenna’s Early Mosaics

The Emperor Honorius, son of Theodosius I, moved the capital from Milan to Ravenna in 402; in the words of Edward Gibbon, to remove himself from the tribulations of the risky business of being Emperor, with Ravenna more or less impregnable and quite out of the way of the primary activities of empire during a period of turmoil. Furthermore, for the barbarian generals, having the emperor out of the way, meant they would have a far freer hand in their military activities. Seemingly, this was an arrangement suitable both for emperor and general, but in reality was another symptom of the continued decline of the Western Empire. Continue reading “Ravenna’s Early Mosaics”

October 10, 2013July 5, 2022

The Walls and City of Verona

From the city centre looking over the river up the hill where the Castel San Pietro lies. That area of the city is thought to have been the original area settled by the Romans in the 3rd Century BCE. The amphitheatre is on that side of the river, to the right.

Both spectacular Roman sites, Verona’s Arena and Amphitheater, impress with their ancient roots and extensive and well-fortified walls. The walls foundations are from Roman times, with various extensions added during the middle ages. With a capacity of several thousands of spectators, Verona’s arena enchants and its very presence dominates the city square. Continue reading “The Walls and City of Verona”

October 6, 2013February 18, 2022

Venice at Night

View of the Grand Canal from the Acadamia Bridge

A collection of shots taken over a couple of nights at Venice. These are complimentary shots to those selected for the Venice, 2014 Calendar. Continue reading

October 6, 2013February 16, 2022

Biennale, Venice, 2013

The Biennale in Venice is one of the world’s premiere modern art exhibitions. It occurs every two years, where each participating country has a pavilion (or space in the larger pavilion), showcasing one or more artists in a curated exhibit for the duration of the festival. The show runs for about 4-5 months, every two years, and has pavilions in 2 large parks, The Giardini and The Arsenale, as well as a collection of satellite spaces around the city. It has been running since 1895, and has seen some remarkable exhibits during its history. It is presented as the equivalent of the “Olympics of Modern Art”, allowing each country to promote their best (either local artists or a chosen theme). It is a huge event, and with the most engaging of the pavilions, you want to linger and appreciate what is presented, so really, to see it properly you need days. So, this is just a few exhibits, mainly from the pavilions in The Giardini, which we visited on two afternoons. For a full listing of the artists, curators and managers of the exhibits, please see the Venice Biennale’s web site. Continue reading “Biennale, Venice, 2013”

October 6, 2013February 16, 2022

People of Venice

Violinist serenading the throngs of people around St Mark's Piazza, Venice — Violinist serenading the throngs of people around St Mark’s Piazza, Venice

Just a few shots of people from Venice (and a couple from Verona) that I liked during my visit there in Sept-Oct, 2013. Continue reading “People of Venice”

September 30, 2013July 23, 2018

Bicycles in Verona, Italy

An old courtyard in the centre of town Verona.

A quiet street, early morning in Verona.

Just off the main shopping street (which is a pedestrian mall)

September 26, 2013February 18, 2022

Alpine Trees, Scotland

In Scotland, the trees are somewhat sparse in places due to substantive logging. In others, the climate is harsh, the trees seem carved out of the landscape in defiance of the conditions under which they find themselves. In still others, the community of trees we call forests. Continue reading “Alpine Trees, Scotland”

September 23, 2013February 18, 2022

A view of Loch Ness

One of those moments where everything just seems to be right; beautiful light and still air to make the waters of the Loch smooth (with no sight of Nessie!). The panorama shot featured here gives you a sense of the view, but I think the diptych presented below would be my preference for how to present this view. Continue reading “A view of Loch Ness”