Sior Rioba an enigmatic Venetian figure

Shadows and Secrets: The Timeless Enigma of Rioba and Campo de Mori

In the heart of Venice, where canals breathe life into the city's ancient bones, the still gaze of the Rioba Statue falls over Campo de Mori. Captured in the stark contrasts of black and white, the image transcends mere aesthetics—it taps into the soul of a Venice that exists beyond the reach of time.

The Rioba Statue, renowned for its mysterious visage—a grimace or a smile depending on the eye of the beholder—stands as if whispering secrets to passersby.

The statue of Sior Antonio Rioba is a fascinating subject steeped in Venetian folklore and history. Located in Campo dei Mori in the Cannaregio district, the statue is one of four figures that represent the Mastelli brothers—merchants from the Morea (now part of modern Greece) who settled in Venice during the 12th century. Among the brothers, Sior Antonio Rioba is the most famous and has come to embody various myths and stories over the years.

One of the most popular tales suggests that the statue served as a sort of "complaint box" for Venetians. People would stick notes or messages into the statue's mouth to share grievances, which would then allegedly be reviewed by the Venetian government. It is said that this is where the Venetian phrase "Parlar col Rioba" (Talking to Rioba) originates, implying the action of speaking without being heard or of making a complaint to an indifferent authority.

The statue's face was vandalized in the 19th century, losing its nose and jaw. It has since been restored, but the incident only added to its aura of mystery and intrigue. In more recent times, it's become a symbol of Venice's complex past and its multifaceted relationship with trade, power, and oriental influences.

The statue is made of a composite material resembling bronze, and its countenance—whether viewed as a smile or a grimace—invites multiple interpretations, adding another layer to its enigmatic appeal.

The Campo dei Mori itself has its colourful history, meaning "Field of the Moors," and serves as a lasting testament to Venice's diverse, cosmopolitan past. The square is adorned with various oriental elements, reflecting the city's longstanding trade relationships with the East.

So, if you're capturing this fascinating subject through the lens of your camera, you're not just photographing a statue but an enigmatic figure entwined with the myths, legends, and history of Venice itself.

Italian Focaccia Recipe

If you are looking for an Italian Focaccia recipe with a soft, chewy texture with a high rise, this is the bread for you!

Pizza vs Focaccia

Focaccia is popular in Italy and is usually seasoned with olive oil, salt, sometimes herbs and may at times be topped with onion, Focaccia can be used as the bread to accompany a meal. The primary difference between conventional pizza and focaccia is that pizza dough uses very little leavening (baker’s yeast), resulting in a very thin, flat and flexible crust, while focaccia dough uses more leavening, causing the dough to rise significantly higher. The added leavening firms the crust and gives focaccia the capacity to absorb large amounts of olive oil.

Ingredients

500g strong bread flour, plus extra for dusting

7g dried fast action yeast

2 tsp fine sea salt

5 tbsp olive oil , plus extra for the tin and to serve

1 tsp flaky sea salt

¼ small bunch of rosemary , sprigs picked

Method

STEP 1

Tip the flour into a large mixing bowl. Mix the yeast into one side of the flour, and the fine salt into the other side. Then mix everything together, this initial seperation prevents the salt from killing the yeast.

STEP 2

Make a well in the middle of the flour and add 2 tbsp oil and 350-400ml lukewarm water, adding it gradually until you have a slightly sticky dough (you may not need all the water). Sprinkle the work surface with flour and tip the dough onto it, scraping around the sides of the bowl. Knead for 5-10 mins until your dough is soft and less sticky. Put the dough into a clean bowl, cover with a tea towel and leave to prove for 1 hr until doubled in size.

STEP 3

Oil a rectangle, shallow tin (25 x 35cm). Tip the dough onto the work surface, then stretch it to fill the tin. Cover with a tea towel and leave to prove for another 35-45 mins.

STEP 4

Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Press your fingers into the dough to make dimples. Mix together 1½ tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp water and the flaky salt and drizzle over the bread. Push sprigs of rosemary into the dimples in the dough.

STEP 5

Bake for 20 mins until golden. Whilst the bread is still hot, drizzle over 1-2 tbsp olive oil. Cut into squares and serve warm or cold with extra olive oil, if you like.

Must stop moaning

Image by

ophelyee

via Flickr

I have complained before about the so called Artist Block at least here and just few days ago . Today I realized that I must stop moaning, at least for the time being, and here are few of the  reasons:

• I am lucky enough, in this period of my life, to leave in one of the most beautiful and inspiring places of the world: Venice.

• I live very close to the sea, probably 20 meters and I believe the sea is very inspiring

• I live about 100mt from where Tintoretto used to live and work, there are so many of his works close to me that is unbelievable.

• Venice is so rich of libraries, galleries,  museums that is so easy to get inspiration.

• Life here is relaxed and at a different pace, so you do not get stressed and have all the time you need to get inspired.

• In Venice lived just to mention some Italian Artists  Canova, Canaletto, Vasari, Giorgione, Mantegna, Titian....

No more excuses then!

Related articles

• Visions of Venice 300 years apart (bbc.co.uk)

• Canaletto's Venice: a city for pleasure seekers (telegraph.co.uk)

• 12 Hours In Venice - Venice, Italy (travelpod.com)

Photo Walk during Venice Carnival 2019

Carnival in Venice

This year the Venice Carnival will be from the 16th February to the 5th March 2019

The Venice Carnival is the most internationally known festival celebrated in Venice, Italy, as well as being one of the oldest.

This congregation of masked people, called Venice Carnival, began in the 15th century, but the tradition can be traced back to the beginning of the 14th Century! During those years one of the first laws made by the Serenissima was that masks cannot be used around the city at night.

Later, Venice Carnival attracted foreigners - including princes - from all over Europe, who came to enjoy the wild festivities while spending fortunes.

During the ten days of Carnival leading up to Mardi Gras, Venice is a hive of activity and entertainment, from improvised street entertainment to performances put on by the organizers. A central idea is chosen each year that is taken from various cultural or show-biz themes. Saint Mark’s Square remains the heart of Carnival, with its huge stage, although other events take place throughout the city, helping to avoid an excessive build-up of people in pedestrianized Venice.

During this period I will offer with my team a Carnival Workshop where during the first  2 hours we will take pictures of the Masks and Costumes in St Mark’s Square and then we will head after a coffee break for the Venice Tour. 4h Tour Price is €500 Max 3 people or 2 adults + 2 Teens  – Extra persons MAX 2  € 70 per person.

Book here and choose 4h  then specify Carnival in Notes