Caravaggio in his day was a controversial figure - both for his style but also for his personal life. Today, however, he is considered an artist who elevated the art of painting and who influenced a generation of painters. I would like to tell you about one of these painters, who is not a man, but a woman. They say that there were many "Caravaggisti" but only one "Caravaggista." Her name is - Artemisia Gentileschi. I have always been struck by the story of Artemisia and her work. Truly she is a fascinating artist and her story is intriguing about her. Because of my interest in Artemisia I’ve written a historical novel of her life called "Eternally Artemisia." If you would like to know more about Artemisia I invite you to read the novel. It is available on Amazon in Print, Ebook and Audiobook. https://www.amazon.com/Eternally-Artemisia-loves-women-timeless/dp/0997634871

Tutti Matti per l'Italiano!

Artemisia Gentileschi - La Caravaggista!

I'm Melissa the crazy student. Welcome! I am glad you are here with me. Through the Studentessa Matta Podcast channel, we practice Italian together. You can follow the dialogue both in Italian and English on the StudentessaMatta.com website. https://www.studentessamatta.com/italian-women-rights-diritti-donne-italiane-famiglia-tradizionale-moderna-right-vote-change-social-roles/ Discussing the changing role of women after receiving the right to vote in 1945 and how this emancipation changed the lives of Italian women and their families.  

The changing role of Italian Women and their Families after 1945

Italian cities throughout Italy celebrate civil and religious festivals, historical re-enactments, local festivals, and events particularly linked to a city or country. But the one event that stands out above them all, at least for me, is the Giostra del Saracino that occurs in Arezzo twice a year in June and September. Living in Arezzo during the joust is the most immersive experience I have ever encountered in Italy! Follow along and learn more about la Giostra del Saraceno. Transcripts for this Podcast, both in Italian and English, can be found at: https://www.studentessamatta.com Join the Sept 2021 Italian Language Program in Arezzo. Details about the program are on the www.StudentessaMatta.com Learn more at: https://www.studentessamatta.com/2021-matta-cultura-italiana-arezzo-language-program  

Celebrate the Italian way!

The Macchiaioli who closely resembled the French Impressionists never received the same international acclaim. Let’s take a look at the painters Giovanni Fattori and Claude Monet and compare the two 19th century artistic movements and discover how the invention of paint in tubes change the course of art history. Follow along with transcripts in English & Italian on the www.StudentessaMatta website 

Italian chat about the Italian Macchiaioli and the French Impressionists

Ox-heads and betrayed husbands… what have they got to do with Florence's Duomo?? Did you know that on the Santa Maria dei Fiori Cathedral in Florence there is the head of an ox that looks down on from on high? What is the meaning of this? In a new post and Youtube Video, Melissa—the Studentessa Matta explores two intriguing explanations—one that has to do with paying tribute and the other with adultery! To read a transcript of the text in Italian and English visit www.StudentessaMatta.com

La leggenda del Bue

In a new Studentessa Matta Video, in Italian, I talk about my hometown of Austin, Texas. This is where you can find me when I'm not in Italy! Learn about this funky Texas city, which is also the state capital. Visit the Studentessa Matta website to view transcripts of this video in English and Italian. For more information and to enroll in the Italian Language Immersion programs visit the StudentessaMatta.com website  

Austin, Texas

It's been a while—13 months in fact—since I last made a video in Italian! Time flies when you are busy publishing a novel, producing Audiobooks, and waiting out the pandemic. But, now after a year, as things begin to sort themselves out and travel seems possible again I thought I'd brush off my video camera and share with you some highlights of this year's upcoming Italian language immersion program in Arezzo scheduled for September 2021. I plan to move forward, and as long as we all are healthy and we have the green light for travel I will meet you in the piazzas of Lucca and Arezzo this coming September!

Friends from Arezzo

Sofonisba’s life is as fascinating as her character and clearly Muldoon has done her homework in terms of research. A genuine 16th century ambiance permeates the pages as Muldoon takes us on a virtual tour through the settings of King Phillip’s court in Spain, Sofonisba’s hometown of Cremona, Italy, and the island of Sicily. Also, as is representative of Muldoon’s pervious works, she infuses her own passion for art, history and Italy into this story and it’s evident though the outstanding delivery of such an intricate and engrossing tale.

The Secret Life of Sofonisba Anguissola: Interview with author Melissa Muldoon by Sheri Hoyt for Reader Views

I have always loved a good legend, filled with mystery and intrigue, and last year when I visited Chiusi, my friends were happy to tell me the story of Porsena the Etruscan King, who was as rich as he was benevolent. But whatever happened to his tomb?

La leggenda di Porsena — il re etrucso

Thanks to everyone who reads the Matta Blog and who follow the Youtube Channel. I am eternally grateful that through the internet I have the chance to meet so many people who continue to enrich my life. All of you… and the love I feel for Italy — for her art, language and her people — are the reasons I do what I do!

Benvenuto 2020

Discussing the legend of Apollo and Ciparisso, a wise saying about trees and a little Italian grammar lesson. After a long break during which I published my third novel set in Italy and translating my second into Italian, I'm back to say ciao! and thank everyone for following the Studentessa Matta Podcast! For more information and transcripts in Italian and English Visithttps://www.studentessamatta.com/alberi-saggezza-leggenda-apollo-ciparisso-cypress/

The Wisdom of the Trees. Legends & useful information

What exactly is merletto al tombolo? Well, it is a very old art form that harks back to the age of Caterina de' Medici. It is an antique way of making lace by hand. Anna Maria Gherardi, who lives in Arezzo, has done this type of work since she was a girl and during her childhood, Debora remembers hearing the noise the spools of the threads made always in the background as her mom worked on her roundtable creating pieces of lace that she put together later to make things like napkins and tablecloths.

L’arte del merletto al tombolo - Anna Maria ci spiega tutto

The hottest days of summer are called the dog days of summer. In Italian, the expression is La canicola estiva. In this Youtube video find out reason why! Hint: it has something to do with the brightest star in the summer sky - Sirius AND the ancient Romans! For text and translation visit: www.studentessamatta.com To find out more about my Italian language Immersion programs in Italy for 2019 visit: https://www.studentessamatta.com/italian-language-immersion-programs-italy/

The Dog Days of Summer — La canicola estiva

Last week my friend Danielle Palermo from Sicilia came to visit me. Our last day together, we decided to roll up our sleeves and cook an Italian meal together. Not just an Italian dinner, however, as Daniele corrected me — a Sicilian meal! He decided to prepare for me Arancine and Sfingi for dessert. Visit: www.StudentessaMatta.com for more details

In Cucina con Daniele

Italian expressions that have to do with food and wine! Visit the StudentessaMatta.com website for more information, transcriptions and text in Italiano and English. http://www.studentessamatta.com/italian-food-idioms-detti-cibo-italiano/ For information about Melissa's programs to learn Italian in Italy visit: http://www.studentessamatta.com/italian-language-immersion-programs-italy/

Il vino fa cantare: Italian food and Wine Expressions

Tutti Matti per l'Italiano! - Italian Podcast - Improve Italian language skills with this podcast that is presented in Italian and features stories, clips & conversations with native Italian speakers. It explores all aspects of Italian culture, music and current events as well as language learning tips. Parliamo e ascoltiamo la lingua poetica with Melissa la studentessa matta.

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Tutti Matti per l'Italiano!

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