The Artist
Our last day in Gorbio - finally the story of the church's new facade comes to an end. It's part of the village now and visitors are surprised to learn it's new - it gives one the feeling it's been there for several hundred years.
This is the man responsible for its creation - Monsieur François Zanatta, the artist/frescoist who has worked for six long months painting the facade. Such a nice man and so self-effacing - when I tell him what a brilliant artist he is, he'll say 'Oh no, it's what I do.' But as you can see in the small photo, I'm not the only one who feels the need to congratulate Monsieur Zanatta for the great job he and his assistant have done.
The company Viotti & Soulier from Monaco employ 20 artists/artisans who produce work of this quality. It's so good to know that the old skills - trompe l'oeil, false wood and marble effects, restoration of old friezes etc are alive and well.
So - finally - we get to the end of this series. It's taken rather too long and I do thank everyone who stuck with the story. Your comments have kept me going!
Tomorrow, Menton and the joys of the water!
Nice, friendly face. Un gars sympa, for sure.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful painting well done, yes he should be smiling for his work is excellent.
ReplyDeleteJoanny
Nice coverage Jilly
What a warm, rich note on which to end this series. Thank you, Jilly.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful series. Such a talent!
ReplyDeleteThis was a great series, and I hope the artist sees it to know how much his work is admired and appreciated.
ReplyDeleteHe looks in your photos exactly as you described him in words. It is wonderful to hear that Monaco supports artists and specialized crafts that one would think are long gone. Very moving conclusion to this series.
ReplyDeleteI particularly like the first and last photos!!! Well done!
ReplyDeleteHis work is fabulous and he looks like a really pleasant man. I've enjoyed your series a lot!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great series of photos and stories! We saw the church in July, so I was particularly glad you brought to life the finished product. Kudos to the artist - a dying craft but an expert craftsman.
ReplyDeleteDonna Gardner
Another of your great portraits, Jilly. The church is beautiful. He should be proud! I'll look forward to seeing it as it pops up in future posts.
ReplyDelete