FONTANELLATO (Parma)
The curvilinear mirror, the cabalistic figures carved on Galeazzo Sanvitale coin, the dream of a philosophical stone, Ovidio's Metamorphosis - this is the magical world that Parmigianino shared with his protector.
There is an inscription
- 'Respice Finem' -
all around the curvilinear mirror
in the middle of his fresco.
What's the real identity of this restless painter? Is he an alchemist? A humanist? What
sort of metaphors are those figures? Do they hint at any moral messages, at secret
alchemies?
The subject we suggest is entitled ASTERIO.
Summary:
The originary idea came out from the history of the two places (the former linked to Prince Pier Francesco Orsini, the latter to Galeazzo Sanvitale) and from the interest in the esoteric science which was witnessed by the alchemist-painter Jacopo Mazzolo who is the author of the frescos in Fontanellato.
The story is set in the magic scenery of these landscapes, sculptures and paintings where art and ancient esoteric traditions interweave.
In the first case the theme is the initiation path, one of the favourite 'topos' for the lovers of esoteric-alchemical knowledge.
Prince Vicino wanted to represent this subject in the Parco delle Meraviglie (Park of the Wonders), - recovered by Giovanni Bettini from the forgetfulness allowed by the institutions caring for our artistic heritage - and its representation has always attracted the interest of many authors such as E. Zolla, H.Bredekampp.De Mandiargues.The holy wood in Bomarzo, mentioned in A.Caro's letter collection in 1564, has inspired a novel (Bomarzo by M.Lainez Manuel) and a documentary by the surrealist painter S. Dalì.
The rhythm of the tale is given by the juxtaposition of scenes and discoveries of marble statues, which represent mithological-ermetical subjects, along the holy wood paths.
Jacopo Mazzola, Ninfe di Diana
Asterio's journey among life difficulties- from the invocation of St James's protection, before his pilgrimage, to his own martyrdom as a true soldier ready to die- is just a metaphor of a universal initiation. As a matter of fact, Asterio goes through the initiatory path of inner development as suggested by the followers of an ancient and noble esoteric culture.
