Comments for Laura Morelli: Art History, Art Historical Fiction, Authentic Travel

In reply to Mimi. Hi Mimi, thanks for asking! I don't lead trips, I'm afraid. https://laur...

https://lauramorelli.com/best-of-sicily-shopping-for-ceramics-in-caltagirone/#comment-9094

In reply to Joan Tanguay. Yes, it's coming soon in Italian! :)

https://lauramorelli.com/gondola-maker-debuts-hungarian/#comment-9093

In reply to Ina Thompson. THE KEEPER OF LOST ART will be out later this year! https://lauramorelli.com/lostart

https://lauramorelli.com/a-venetian-gondola-in-america/#comment-9092

Though I have read, for years, how woman and their brains and ambitions were treated by hostil men throughout the centuries and I still find it appalling!! I certainly have enjoyed reading articl...

https://lauramorelli.com/beautiful-woman-venice-interview-kathleen-ann-gonzalez/#comment-9078

Adoro i pupi Sicilani! I would love a tour of Sicily just exploring all of the puppet theatres in Sicily! My favorite was Teatro dei Pupi in Ortigia which is located on via Della Giudecca 22. The...

https://lauramorelli.com/the-sicilian-marionette-theater/#comment-9076

My family went to the 'Pays Bigouden' when I was 9 years old. I well remember the ladies wearing lace 'coiffes'.

https://lauramorelli.com/brittanys-history-of-high-headgear/#comment-9073

I have been to Kracow and had no Idea this painting was there! Is it still There? Reading the book for the second time. I get all your emails and wish there more hours in the day to take your cla...

https://lauramorelli.com/10-questions-about-the-night-portrait/#comment-9040

I love Naples! I lived there for five years in the 70s, met my husband, gave birth to my daughter, and we still consider it a highlight of our lives. Beside the beauty of its surroundings, it's r...

https://lauramorelli.com/why-i-love-naples-italy/#comment-9039

There was a fascinating article in the NY Times recently (March 13, 2024) called The Last Gold Beater in Venice about the last family there making gold leaf.

https://lauramorelli.com/history-of-picture-frames/#comment-9033

Purchased a cataplana, the copper fish stew pot, at a hardware store in Portugal. Packed it full of other small souvenirs in my carryon and had to unpack it at airport security because it looked ...

https://lauramorelli.com/let-the-souvenir-buyer-beware/#comment-9018

I enjoyed reading this interview. I have always had a professional career, and am a feminist. It is so frustrating and saddening to know that intelligent, talented, and thoroughly capable women h...

https://lauramorelli.com/beautiful-woman-venice-interview-kathleen-ann-gonzalez/#comment-9002

I think I’ve read all but two of your historical fiction. In 2022 I spent a week San Marco apartment with my daughter, her husband, and three daughters (4, 8, 13). We had the pleasure of decora...

https://lauramorelli.com/how-to-choose-a-venetian-carnival-mask/#comment-8996

Laura, I've read all of your books and watched several of your online classes. I wonder if your readers are familiar with Arzana, (arzana.org) a group of Venetians and others who are dedicated to...

https://lauramorelli.com/the-history-of-the-venetian-gondola-a-new-video-lesson-for-ted-ed/#comment-8994

When visiting Sorrento years ago I bought beautiful deep red, carved coral earrings, one of which I lost last year. The good news is that the shop, Leonard, is still in business and will try to m...

https://lauramorelli.com/how-italian-coral-jewelry-is-made/#comment-8976

I would like to once again thank you for all you have accomplished in revitalizing our Italian culture. As a student of Dr Mario Del Cario the Etruscan Archaeologist from UCSB your work is greatl...

https://lauramorelli.com/best-of-sicily-shopping-for-ceramics-in-caltagirone/#comment-8957

Do you ever do trips to Sicily?

https://lauramorelli.com/best-of-sicily-shopping-for-ceramics-in-caltagirone/#comment-8955

Beautiful!

https://lauramorelli.com/best-of-sicily-shopping-for-ceramics-in-caltagirone/#comment-8954

Laura, thank you for your books a research! I enjoy reading both. I have a variety of these tiles at home; some purchased in a flea market in Portugal, others in Ft Lauderdale. I figure the techn...

https://lauramorelli.com/best-of-sicily-shopping-for-ceramics-in-caltagirone/#comment-8953

The heads you referred to as vases of heads of princes queens,etc. Are called "testa di moro" meaning head of the moor. There is a traditional story behind them of love and betrayal. They have al...

https://lauramorelli.com/best-of-sicily-shopping-for-ceramics-in-caltagirone/#comment-8952

Bella Carrara! Breathtaking, beautiful and inspiring... Grazie! Janis Morelli

https://lauramorelli.com/carrara-marble-art-and-history/#comment-8946

Very cool! Love it!

https://lauramorelli.com/the-art-of-brazilian-lace/#comment-8943

Hi, Laura, sorry for the delayed response. A few years ago, I visited Ortisei and was overwhelmed by the quality of the pieces I saw there. When I moved to Umbria,, some American friends asked wh...

https://lauramorelli.com/handmade-in-italy-christmas-carving-in-trentino/#comment-8936

Hi Laura, I’m a dentist in Romania and I was so happy to hear you in Blaine DeSantis’ podcast talking with so much passion about saving artwork in Venice during WWII. Many moons ago I took an...

https://lauramorelli.com/the-history-of-the-venetian-gondola-a-new-video-lesson-for-ted-ed/#comment-8935

Thanks for thinking of this, love philologic references! Now looking forward to the book even more—I had been wondering if there would be construction details…

https://lauramorelli.com/glossary-gondola-maker/#comment-8934

Thank you for a concise history. The present masks are true works of art.

https://lauramorelli.com/venetian-carnival-masks-a-brief-history/#comment-8925

Will it be translated into Italian? I have a good friend who lives near Florence who’d love to read it, but her English isn’t strong enough.

https://lauramorelli.com/gondola-maker-debuts-hungarian/#comment-8924

I have a huge bolt of hand embroidered my parents bought on their honeymoon in Guatemala in 1948 and has been in original chest excellent and beautiful condition.

https://lauramorelli.com/guatemalan-textiles/#comment-8914

Laura, The Last Masterpiece book is very nice. I have read it recently.

https://lauramorelli.com/connect/#comment-8910

Thank you great reading and very intriguing. We will be visiting Venice this August, 2024 and hoping to see and read more about 15 century’s slavery and more about the Jews during that time.. T...

https://lauramorelli.com/people-color-renaissance-venice/#comment-8905

Laura- I am not an art historian by training, but have been an enthusiastic lover since Art History 101 fifty-some years ago. My professor was the late James Stubblebine at Rutgers, who authored ...

https://lauramorelli.com/reading-giant/#comment-8904

I can't imagine paying for something that probably cost the same or more than what is being framed. I am particular about framing photos so everything is coordinated. I don't have artwork like pa...

https://lauramorelli.com/history-of-picture-frames/#comment-8898

I just loved this book. The characters, both real and fictional came vividly to life, and more than once I had tears in my eyes. Thank you for keeping this important piece of history alive.

https://lauramorelli.com/10-questions-about-the-night-portrait/#comment-8896

In reply to Maryjane V. Maryjane, I always suggest contacting a certified appraiser in cases like this. Good luck!

https://lauramorelli.com/capodimonte-porcelain/#comment-8892

In reply to Jennifer. What a wonderful treasure to have in your family, Jennifer!

https://lauramorelli.com/the-art-of-brazilian-lace/#comment-8891

My mother was a lace maker in Bahia and I have her book of lace samples. Is there an historical archive interested in them?

https://lauramorelli.com/the-art-of-brazilian-lace/#comment-8890

Hi Laura...Have a Capodumonte flower pot signed M Mocetto would help to determine the age...Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. wish I was able to send photo...Love it!!!

https://lauramorelli.com/capodimonte-porcelain/#comment-8887

Any more books coming out?

https://lauramorelli.com/a-venetian-gondola-in-america/#comment-8867

Thank you Laura. I was in Venice last fall, and while we didn't take a full gondola ride across the grand canal, we did have a tour guide for a few hours walking tour and she took us on a gondola...

https://lauramorelli.com/the-history-of-the-venetian-gondola-a-new-video-lesson-for-ted-ed/#comment-8866

The distinction between art and craft has evolved over time, often influenced by cultural contexts and historical perspectives. While Michelangelo's genius is undeniable, the credit given to indi...

https://lauramorelli.com/whats-the-difference-between-art-craft/#comment-8862

I have read two of your books and enjoyed them immensely. I even went to your website to view the gondola video. I have family in Treviso and have been to Venice numerous times. I would like to g...

https://lauramorelli.com/the-history-of-the-venetian-gondola-a-new-video-lesson-for-ted-ed/#comment-8860

Ciao, Laura, Thanks for all of the good books and articles on Italy. The subjects and your descriptions are spot on. I, too, taught art (and architectural) history and have taken college students...

https://lauramorelli.com/about/#comment-8859

In reply to Lee Laurino. I'm so glad you enjoyed them, Lee!

https://lauramorelli.com/connect/#comment-8856

Laura, I’m enjoying reading your books. I met you through Elaine Ruffolo’s fantastic art history presentations. We had a wonderful 5- week trip last year - cruise of the Mediterranean with 2 ...

https://lauramorelli.com/italys-best-christmas-gifts/#comment-8853

I finally finished the Painter's Apprentice. It ended like I hoped. I'm guessing the painter's wife was envious of Maria because she was stuck having babies all the time and having no life of her...

https://lauramorelli.com/useful-maps-painters-apprentice/#comment-8852

Laura, I have not baked in YEARS but just tried your Ricotta cheese cookies. I am very unhappy...............they are addictive! You could eat each batch as they exit the oven before the next tra...

https://lauramorelli.com/connect/#comment-8850

Can’t wait to try making these. Love all you put in your site.

https://lauramorelli.com/italian-lemon-ricotta-cookies/#comment-8848

You are a wealth of knowledge Laura. It is wonderful to read and learn from you. Merry Christmas Elaona

https://lauramorelli.com/italys-best-christmas-gifts/#comment-8847

Thank you Laura! Thank you for the recipe as well! I have learned a great deal about art from you! Hoping 2024 is even better for us and our families! Merry Christmas!

https://lauramorelli.com/italian-lemon-ricotta-cookies/#comment-8845

Thank you for sharing!

https://lauramorelli.com/italys-best-christmas-gifts/#comment-8844

Thank you! I'm watching a documentary on Venice and was curious about what people were wearing in the 1500s. This puts it in perspective. Think, 'Romeo and Julliet'. Cheers!

https://lauramorelli.com/venetian-fashion-16th-century/#comment-8841

My favorite city! We were there last summer and found that our phones were miraculous to find our way around. Maybe we missed a special find!

https://lauramorelli.com/getting-lost-and-finding-your-way-in-venice/#comment-8834

In reply to Laura Morelli. Thanks for your post..I always love reading what you have to say. My wi...

https://lauramorelli.com/getting-lost-and-finding-your-way-in-venice/#comment-8833

In reply to Wayne Johnson. Hi Wayne, I'm a great believer in past lives and, like you , have alway...

https://lauramorelli.com/getting-lost-and-finding-your-way-in-venice/#comment-8832

Two of our favorite places in Venice are the Peggy Guggenheim museum, which was her former home, and it’s filled with such interesting custom made art! Her headboard and the earrings she had ma...

https://lauramorelli.com/the-essence-of-venetian-style/#comment-8831

Very knoweldgable posts. Thanks for Sharing.

https://lauramorelli.com/quarantine-in-italy/#comment-8829

Thanks, Laura, for a very interesting article. I have a full coffee service that is my prized possession….it is so nice to really understand the history. I enjoy all of your writings. I must ad...

https://lauramorelli.com/murano-glass-a-brief-history/#comment-8819

A few years ago I was in Florence for a week of cooking classes. We were staying in an apartment in the Santa Croce neighborhood. One afternoon after class we went strolling up Borgo Allegri and ...

https://lauramorelli.com/florence-italy-best-shopping-streets/#comment-8796

I inherited a cameo ring from my grandmother, who received it as a gift from her sister who purchased it on a trip to Italy. I have worn it every day for years and am amazed at its incredibly bea...

https://lauramorelli.com/a-history-of-italian-cameos/#comment-8795

Next time you come to Florence, I would love to introduce you to some of the wonderful local artisans I have met (and often written about) since I’ve been here (paper marbling, jewelry, leather...

https://lauramorelli.com/florence-italy-best-shopping-streets/#comment-8768

My favorite place for paper products is Signum or Il Papiro. Signum has my unique items including beautiful ink pens, art prints, handmade journals and stationary. There is a wonderful artist Mau...

https://lauramorelli.com/shopping-in-florence-italy/#comment-8767

Very good article. We shopped at Il Pavone in the Accademia sestiere during our last trip. Paolo was behind the counter and we had a nice conversation as I purchased some sheets of paper to line ...

https://lauramorelli.com/venetian-marbled-paper/#comment-8760

I feel that I learned so much and can truly appreciate life at that time. What a great book. This website is "icing on the cake". I can't wait to read the next books. Thank you!

https://lauramorelli.com/useful-maps-painters-apprentice/#comment-8741

Those plague masks very scary. The cover they wore at the same time sounds like they knew something about germs. I know it was hit and miss back then.

https://lauramorelli.com/venetian-carnival-masks-the-plague-doctor/#comment-8739

I visualize the masks I see in movies. Colorful and people having fun.

https://lauramorelli.com/venetian-carnival-masks-whos-who/#comment-8738

This was a great read, I really enjoyed its information. This article was very informative and...

https://lauramorelli.com/whats-the-difference-between-art-craft/#comment-8732

Ciao Laura; Thank you for the interesting information about the ever popular Gondolas, very interesting! I've been to Venice a few times and have taken a ride on the Gondolas, the last time, abou...

https://lauramorelli.com/a-brief-history-of-the-venetian-gondola/#comment-8693

Thanks so Much Laura! I fell in love with Venice in the early 1990 while traveling thru Italy with my kids and their father. I returned in 1998-1999 about 10 times while I lived in Ljubljana. By ...

https://lauramorelli.com/a-brief-history-of-the-venetian-gondola/#comment-8684

My husband and I absolutely loved Florence and were fortunate enough to find a leather atelier while wandering away from the main tourist area. We spoke with the owner and decided to be measured ...

https://lauramorelli.com/leather-shopping-in-florence-italy/#comment-8683

Hi Laura, Thanks for this very interesting piece about Murano glass. My husband and I adore Italy and have travelled there many times over the years and Venice is one of our favorite stops. We vi...

https://lauramorelli.com/murano-glass-a-brief-history/#comment-8661

I’ve lived Murano Glass since I was a little girl oohing over my mother’s treasures she had gotten when she had been governess for 2 young boys in late 1930’s. The last piece she gave me is...

https://lauramorelli.com/shopping-on-murano/#comment-8599

The renaissance is a period of art history that has always facinated me so reading your books has been a delight. I read The Giant first and loved it so much I ordered The Gondola Maker and The P...

https://lauramorelli.com/useful-maps-gondola-maker/#comment-8583

Hello readers and Laura Moretti - have visited Venice and surrounding Islands by vaporetti (like bus transportation, water taxis) many times since 2008. Have seen the glass blowing demonstration ...

https://lauramorelli.com/murano-glass-how-much-to-pay/#comment-8566

In 1982, my boyfriend at the time’s younger brother graduated high school and went on an European tour with other students. He purchased a red and gold decanter set with 6 glasses for his mothe...

https://lauramorelli.com/murano-glass-how-much-to-pay/#comment-8552

On our trip to Venice we walked into a small storefront representing a glass maker from Murano. It was far enough off St. Mark's we felt a bit more comfortable. We got eight water/wine glasses th...

https://lauramorelli.com/murano-glass-how-much-to-pay/#comment-8547

In reply to Ralph Kaufer. Hello Ralph! I love seeing treasures people find, but I don't do art advising / appraisal. A certified appra...

https://lauramorelli.com/connect/#comment-8516

In reply to De Smedt. Hello there! I love seeing treasures people find, but I don't do art advising / appraisal. A certified ...

https://lauramorelli.com/castelli-abruzzo/#comment-8515

In reply to Jean. Thank you, Jean, but it's not mine! :)

https://lauramorelli.com/about/#comment-8514

I am reading The Gondola Maker now - enjoyed two of your other books! I am a big fan of yours! Thank you for your wonderful historical books. Joelyn James

https://lauramorelli.com/a-venetian-gondola-in-america/#comment-8481

I found a book,” Prentice Hall Book Review” United States History and Government 2013 It has written on the pages “Laura Morelli.” Does this book belong to you? I bought it at a used book...

https://lauramorelli.com/about/#comment-8429

I am just more and more fascinated by Venice and everything it represents.; I mainly owe it to you. A PBS special on the construction of the city was just the start. You bring it to life.

https://lauramorelli.com/a-venetian-gondola-in-america/#comment-8419

Bonjour Laura, What a wonderful story and a beautiful piece of history, just to imagine who took rides in it back then, how beautiful it must have been. Thank you, you make me dream

https://lauramorelli.com/a-venetian-gondola-in-america/#comment-8418

Hi Laura, I would like to send you a picture of a charger which I think is of Castelli origine. How can I send it to you? Can you comment on it please? Yours, Hans

https://lauramorelli.com/castelli-abruzzo/#comment-8405

Ms. Morelli, I happened upon your book by accident. I love art, and I am fascinated by how it has been technically executed in the very early centuries. Your research benefited me greatly....I lo...

https://lauramorelli.com/why-i-wrote-painters-apprentice/#comment-8377

I went to Venice and Burano years ago. I loved watching the women do their lace I didn't know there was a museum . I will have to go there when I plan another trip. Live reading your articles

https://lauramorelli.com/burano-lace-a-history/#comment-8376

I have a collection of 10 " MERLI and Galli " Capo " pieces that are wonderful but my grandchildren ( who are all MD 's & Lawyer's ) have no interest in . Do you still recommend the auction house...

https://lauramorelli.com/connect/#comment-8375

I still find it hard to believe that Venice is a bunch of islands made on weeds, for lack of a better word. Until I watched a PBS episode about saving the city, I thought it was on land with cana...

https://lauramorelli.com/useful-maps-painters-apprentice/#comment-8371

Good morning! My husband is a gondolier in Newport Beach CA...there are some italiophiles keeping the art alive even in the USA! Grazi for so much depth and information!

https://lauramorelli.com/a-brief-history-of-the-venetian-gondola/#comment-8362

Laura, I have read all you books and been to Venice numerous times. Your books allowed me to gain insight of the soul of Venezia and I think and that is one of the reasons I fell in love with tha...

https://lauramorelli.com/a-brief-history-of-the-venetian-gondola/#comment-8343

I so wish I had had more of this information when we were in Venice in 2019. (I researched all of the countries and cities we were going to see, but there's so much I am STILL learning!). We took...

https://lauramorelli.com/shopping-on-murano/#comment-8337

In reply to Laura Morelli. That’s from me years ago and now still enjoying ALL your other books, even...

https://lauramorelli.com/a-brief-history-of-the-venetian-gondola/#comment-8336

Hi Laura, I just returned from 8 wonderful days in Venice! While on a walking tour one morning, our guide took us to the gondola maker’s building that you have here in your article! We did hear...

https://lauramorelli.com/a-brief-history-of-the-venetian-gondola/#comment-8335

Thank you for a wonderful and informative article. I visited Venice some years ago and took a lovely gondola ride past homes where Mozart and other famous people lived. Our boatman's name was Fab...

https://lauramorelli.com/a-brief-history-of-the-venetian-gondola/#comment-8333

In reply to Nanci Claxton. A certified, local appraiser will examine your piece in person and guide you a...

https://lauramorelli.com/5-things-to-ask-about-pueblo-pottery/#comment-8326

I was so lucky to be given a set of beautiful , delicate wine glasses from murano . I chose them , and they were specially blown for me ,and sent to me in south africa . I also bought some beauti...

https://lauramorelli.com/murano-glass-a-brief-history/#comment-8324

Hi Laura, I read your research on the traditions of Murano glass with great interest. When I was in Florence, I admired the chandeliers in a particular shop I didn’t make a note of the name and...

https://lauramorelli.com/traditional-types-of-murano-glass/#comment-8319

I have a South western native american wedding cup. Where would I have to travel to get it appraised? I am in St. Louis MO. Thank You, Nanci Claxton

https://lauramorelli.com/5-things-to-ask-about-pueblo-pottery/#comment-8310

Hi Laura, I love reading your articles as much as I love visiting Italy. I’ve been to Venice, Murano, and Burano. On my last trip to Murano, I dragged my husband with me and he was quit impress...

https://lauramorelli.com/murano-glass-a-brief-history/#comment-8302

Thanks, Laura, for this piece on Venice and particularly the glassblowing treasures. My daughter and I first saw their beautiful jewellery on a cruise ship and bought several pieces, vowing to ge...

https://lauramorelli.com/murano-glass-a-brief-history/#comment-8279

Yes, several keepsakes that I treasured. One was a bold and beautiful green glass ring; the other, a necklace, a flattened heart, orange with gold leaf, strung on a double satin thread. Precious.

https://lauramorelli.com/murano-glass-how-much-to-pay/#comment-8273

My husband and I spent our honeymoon in Italy and our first night was in Venice. We bought a few small items as memories. Ten years later we went back on our Anniversary and revisited Venice, we ...

https://lauramorelli.com/murano-glass-a-brief-history/#comment-8272