The Renaissance through the eyes of an assassin...

Returning to their newest franchise, Ubisoft pulled out all the stops in recreating Renaissance Italy for Assassin's Creed 2. While one might think 'Hey Chad, why are you writing about a video-game on your art blog?', I can assure this game is chockful of art. From being able to purchase the most prominent paintings of the time period (1486 and prior), to palling around with Leonardo Divinci as he uses his designs and artistic talent to create new weapons for you and solve intense riddles. When not busily putting the kibash on the plans of the murderous Templars (the games secret society villians) you can actually explore the architecture of some of Italy's most amazing landmarks and buildings. A codex is constantly updated year by year throughout the game's time-line, relating to you new information about not only the most famous historical events of the period but also the art, philosophy, and architecture. Also not to mention, the game is beautiful. From its smooth animations and character design, to its amazing landscapes, Assassin's Creed 2 captures Renaissance Italy in a breathtaking manner. As an added plus every character in the game is steeped in actual history, from the Sforza's in Forli, all the way to Rodrigo Borgia, who would later rule as the tyrannical Pope Alexander the VI. Anyone who is interested in video games and art would do themselves a grave disservice missing this amazing piece of work.

Sometimes things just don't work...

Divinci and 'The Last supper' is a brilliant example of a genius inventing something that doesn't quite do the trick. Sforza (his patron) wanted the it to be a fresco, but Divinci was famous for his procrastination. When working with fresco, there is no procrastination. Leonardo decided to instead seal the wall with a formula of his own invention made with pitch and other material. He then painted onto the hardened surface. This worked fine and dandy for about 4 to 5 years. It became instantly apparent that Divinci's formula didn't work correctly as it began deteriorating at a rapid pace. Luckily his apprentice had completed two copies of the painting, saving as much detail as possible.

Masonry, History and Artisanship

I think that some of the most interesting architecture in history is that created by the Free Masons During the medieval age. The Freemasons were a large order of artisans, specializing in stone masonry. Aside from the obvious aesthetic beauty of their work during the crusades, I Think one of greatest virtues of their work is that stone masonry is an almost defunct art. Look through your local yellow pages under masonry and you'll be lucky to find any at all. Another interesting aspect of freemasonry was the fact that any man (sorry ladies; History has been very unkind to you) could apprentice with a stone mason and learn the art. As opposed to years of training and wealth that was required to learn painting, sculpting, or music, masonry work was so plentiful that the poor could receive training and perhaps become a master mason.
Enough talking Chad! Show us the work!

Ok! Here's some of my favorite examples of masonry! (pictures from www.hpdetective.com/)scotland

Roslyn Chapel: The Apprentice Pillar - A masonic tale of a master mason's apprentice surpassing him in skill. The master killed the apprentice, and so the masons executed the master and erected this pillar in honor of the apprentice and his masterful abilities. The master's face was carved into the opposite wall so he must always look upon the apprentice pillar.

Roslyn Chapel ceiling