I traveled to the Italian cities of Ravenna, Venice, and Trieste over the course of 10 days in late August and visited over 30 churches throughout these cities. Throughout this trip I noticed symbol of the Peacock as an essential component to these holy spaces and as a early Christian symbol of eternal life. I created an interpretation of these peacocks which I believe characterize the style and peacock in the local of each place.
Ravenna Peacock
The peacock as depicted in Byzantine Mosaics are early Christian symbols of Eternal Life. Peacocks are seen throughout the churches and streets of Ravenna as ornamental, decorative, and symbolic birds that add beauty to religious spaces. The mosaics are two-dimensional simplified forms surrounded by a flat scene of gold, blue accents, and various colors. The color blue was often used to depict devine light paired with gold accents. I created a rendition of a peacock in the Byzantine mosaic style inspired by the peacock scene in San Vitale; this illustration of a peacock aims to highlight the distinct sacredness of the symbol and the 2-dimensional ornate styles of the Ravenna peacock with gold and floral background.
Venice Peacock
In creating a watercolor painting of the Peacock of Venice I aimed to highlight the bright colors of Murano glass, and Renissance emphasis on naturalism utilizing a 3-dimensional scene surrounded by symbols of Venecian life. The Canals of Venice inspired the peacock itself to identify place and association with this exotic yet also Catholic symbol of the peacock. The inventive scene modeled after a simple mosaic peacock on the floor of Basilica di San Marco and scenes on tourist memorabilia of a fabric fan, inspired the color pallet and the expressionistic style of this peacock of Venice. I sought to capture the vibrancy and rich cultural tapestry of Venice, using the peacock as a central figure to represent both the city’s opulence and its deep religious roots. The light and shadow evokes the charm of Venetian architecture, while the vivid colors reflect the city’s artistic heritage, bridging the old and the new in a dynamic, expressionistic portrayal.
Trieste Peacock
The Trieste Peacock is a symbol of Mediterranean elegance and cross-cultural elements, evoking the grandeur of this coastal Miramare palace. Drawing inspiration from the serene blue hues of the sea and the intricate geometric patterns often found in Islamic and Byzantine art, this design carries deep spiritual and cultural significance. At its core, the Trieste Peacock is modeled after a regal painting of a peacock, a creature historically symbolizing beauty, power, and immortality. Its design incorporates the Habsburg family crest, further invoking the imperial legacy of Europe, blending these rich influences into a majestic and visually striking creation.
