Wonderful Rusuti. Nemo propheta in patria
Serena Romano
The work, hence the appreciation, of Filippo Rusuti deserves reconsideration. Both early and recent historiography show that Rusuti’s art has been either persistently outranked by Jacopo Toritti Pietro Cavallini, or overlooked altogether. One cause this neglect is extreme physical difficulty examining single work ascribed with certainty to Rusuti-which is, in effect, “signed”-the Christ Majesty saints apostles topmost register Santa Maria Maggiore’s façade mosaic. Tucked high cavetto, was further obscured architectural addition Ferdinando Fuga’s eighteenth-century benedictional loggia. New photos published for first time here, however, complemented review documents from several phases restoration, enable unprecedentedly close study work. Visual inspection finds its condition generally good, despite some damage, artistic quality easily match Torriti’s mosaics. In addition, suggestions emerge indicating may have had a hand other portions basilica’s decoration. new also allow analysis signature, which artist placed beneath Christ’s feet embedded mandorla. Inscribed gold letters against blue, signature achieves an aesthetic effect sought goldsmiths; example Guccio di Mannaia’s chalice, commissioned Pope Nicolas iv. Looking farther afield, signature’s placement parallel Autun, Gislebertus’s name on Saint-Lazare’s tympanum. multiple links between papal Rome France during late thirteenth century, evidence service France, imply could encountered French dignitaries curia Colonna circle. These included Bérenger Frédol, who became cardinal Ss. Nereo e Achilleo well before departure where he served Philip Fair as Pictor regis.
Convivium