Students from a Laois community school have returned from the trip of a lifetime to Italy, having made some wonderful memories on their adventure.
The Leaving Certificate Art students from Heywood Community School travelled to Florence recently to visit one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
The trip was a fantastic opportunity to study first-hand the artwork of the Renaissance in preparation for their Leaving Certificate Art History exam.
The 17 students were accompanied by their Art teachers, Ms. Buggy, Ms Webster, and Mr Keane.
The itinerary included an exploration of the Santa Maria Cathedral, including climbing all 463 steps of Brunelleschi’s dome.
The group visited the cathedral Museum to admire the original Baptistery doors by Ghiberti, Donatello’s statue of Mary Magdalene and a Pieta by Michelangelo 50 years after his most famous Pieta in Rome.
In the Galleria dell ‘Accademia, students admired and sketched Michelangelo’s statue of David and Michelangelo’s Slaves or Prisoners.
The Bargello Museum showcased works by Michelangelo, Brunelleschi and Ghiberti’s entries for the Baptistery North Door commission.
The main attraction is undoubtedly the Donatello Room and the bronze statue of David and Saint George.
Masaccio’s ancient frescoes were discussed and sketched in the Brancacci Chapel and Santa Maria Novella.
The Uffizi Gallery, one of the world’s top art museums, housed several paintings from Sandro Botticelli’s Birth of Venus to Leonardo da Vinci’s Adoration of the Magi.
In all the venues, students referred to their sketchbooks for questions to answer on the artwork and instructions on sketches to complete.
In addition to visiting the masterpieces of the Renaissance, students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Italian culture.
The group sampled much authentic Italian cuisine various restaurants each evening, and explored the Central market to taste the traditional fresh fare.
Each evening, the group explored the squares and streets of Florence, strolling along the Ponte Vecchio, enjoying street musicians, samplimg gelato, and taking in the sunset from the famous Piazzale Michelangelo viewpoint.
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