The Many “Faces” of SIMBARI
“The Believer”
I have just received this in an e-mail - - -
how electrifying and important it IS !
I had forgotten the Simbari who, came from Southern Italy, with the teachings of Centuries, believed completely, when he said
“when I paint, God is in my Studio, with me.”
After an Exhibition at Nicola's New York Gallery, the then Vicar of a
New Jersey
Church “challenged” Nicola's Belief. In recognition of the
great Gift
given to him, Nicola responded with this magnificent
and dramatic painting
of The Crucifixion Scene
- - - “IL CALVARIO”
Nicola, Jenny and I were celebrating Easter in New York City, in 1977.
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When I saw this ‘masterpiece’ again . . . it took my breath away! I had forgotten the DRAMA . . . the ominous sky . . . the incredible light on the central figure . . . the small group of disciples and Mary, the Mother of Jesus . . . the threat of the mounted soldiers . . .
Early in his career, Nicola often painted religious processions and events . . . scenes from his beloved Southern Italy . . .
An extremely generous man, Nicola would help, not only his immediate family, but his friends, who needed advice and a “hand”, to ‘help them on their way’, in their careers and their lives. He never “advertised” his generosity . . . and few people really knew this side of him - - - except those who came to him for “help” !
Thank you to the Church, for contacting me about this magnificent Masterpiece
© Elfrida 2011
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