Tutti Matti per l'Italiano! Melissa Muldoon - Studentessa Matta

“The Secret Life of Sofonisba Anguissola” is the latest novel from Melissa Muldoon in her distinguished collection of works featuring prominent female artists from Italian history.
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

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?

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!

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/

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.

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/