Abruzzo: mural paintings in Atri Cathedral

Atri is in the foothills of the Appenines. Its stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta was built in the thirteenth century on the site of an earlier ninth century church, and of a much earlier complex of Roman baths, some vestiges of which are still visible.

The origin of the name Atri is uncertain, but its Roman name Hatria (or Hadria) probably derived from the family of the Emperor Hadrian. The town's baths, no doubt magnificent ones, were built during Hadrian's rule.

The cathedral is a treasure trove of fine medieval and renaissance art. Its walls exhibit a cycle of paintings of the life of the Virgin, painted between 1460 and 1481 by Andrea de Litio.

His painting style is vivid and exuberant. This photo shows de Litio's biblical scene of the marriage at Cana.

The main protagonists are absorbed in their own discussions. But look at the drama unfurling around them. A serving girl at the rear is looking coyly towards the painter; to her right, another servant is observing her with a knowing grin on her face. To the far right squats a kitchen boy, uncomfortably turning the spit while shielding his face from the fire's heat and spitting fat A dog is lying down in front, looking expectantly at the earthenware jars; in the window at top right can be seen a cat, looking askance at the dog below.

To be enjoyed - and the other wall paintings here include a variety of dogs and cats, you'll just have to look for them.


LINGUISTIC ANARCHY: AL FRESCO AND HIS CHUMS

This painting is a fresco, or in Italian un affresco; this word is an abbreviation of two words, al fresco, indicating that the painting was carried out on freshly applied plaster. The "fresco" element is a reference to the newness/wetness of the plaster. Wall painting on dried plaster is called "al secco".

Dining "al fresco" is not a concept immediately understood by Italians, unless it relates to someone in prison. It is much safer to say "all'aria aperta".

(Please note the use of italic typeface for Italian words. It was of course an Italian invention.)