Oct 14 Day 10 Sansepolcro

This was a catch- up day, followed by churches, exhibits and museums, and - as usual - most enjoyable.
Since I have already shared some church pictures, they are not included here. 
There is a photography exhibit of Robert Capa that covers the independence of the state of Israel and the photos are quite striking, poignant, and naturally tell a significant story. 

Of course the personal story of the photographer is always interesting as well (and Capa was quite handsome).  He covered many historical events, often about wars, and his work was highly regarded. He was the lover of Ingrid Bergman for a while but would not marry her.

After seeing that exhibit, I went to the Herb Museum, which actually was interesting - especially the apothecary jars, antique mortars and glass beakers, and information about how Leonardo da Vinci was a herbalist and did not believe in medicine. 







This guy looks like perhaps he had too much eucalyptus or ginkgo balboa or something.  The ceramic bowl, however, was lovely.


The museum had drawings and paintings of botanicals and a drying room with lots of aromatic herbs,  Apparently the apothecary in the Middle Ages was the most important person in the village.
He probably knew all sorts of secrets about the villagers from who had depression to who needed medieval viagra. Who knew that a daffodil root could help with sprains and that rosemary helps with "womens' diseases"?

These dried herbs and the labeled containers for them were so charming - I think it would be a good project for next year's herbs, some lavender and roses, etc.







The final exhibit for the day was the International Lace Competition, which was far more artistic and interesting than it sounds.  Entries came from 33 countries and the reason that the event is held here in Sansepolcro is because lace making is still an active and important art to this town.  The theme seemed to be Botticello, because there were many Venuses and Three Graces, etc., all very beautiful.

 The winning entry was from (surprise) Italy and it was quite stunning - this picture probably does not do it justice, but it really is made of lace - with a little fabric here and there.  This panel is life sized, so it is hard to imagine how many hours went into its design, planning, and execution.  There were many outstanding entries.

I am off to another hill town tomorrow, Urbina, which is in Umbria, with another friend of Betty and John's!