"Bullelejoch", Sextner Dolomiten, Alto Adige, Italy, 2017 Inkjet test print (2018), signed* on verso paper There could be some minimal color imperfections, as you can see in the photos. (signature could be slightly different) Passe-partout and frame are NOT included in this lot. + Giulio Speranza “Majella Madre, la montagna degli uomini e dello spirito” Size: 29,3x27,6 cm - Hardcover - 96 pages - 56 photos Ed.x/600Year: 2024Condition: mint Signature: Signed by the artist Provenance: Corporate Collection Three years ago, when I finished my work on the Gran Sasso d'Italia, the highest elevation in the Apennines, the mountain range that forms the backbone of the Italian Peninsula, I was sure I wanted to continue my photographic research work on the mountains of Abruzzo. But where to focus my attention? The choice was very simple: the Majella Mountain. It is a large massif, the second highest in elevation in the Apennines, just over a hundred meters less than the Gran Sasso. Despite this small difference, the two mountain groups are very different from each other. The Majella morphologically is a "hump", characterized by very steep flanks incised by deep valleys and an almost flat summit, a lunar-looking and vaguely surreal plateau, lacking a clearly characterized and identifiable peak. The people who live at the foot of the massif call it the Mother Mountain, because of an ancient legend but also because it is the dispenser of the basic resources for the livelihood of the inhabitants of the area. In addition to this, it is the area with the highest concentration of hermitages in all of Abruzzo. For centuries more or less well-known churchmen, from the last hermit to the man who became Pope Celestine V, have lived among the rocks and forests of Majella, finding tranquility and inspiration. Generations of shepherds have spent summers in caves and high-altitude stazzi taking advantage of pastures that are often small and difficult to access, and brigands have found hiding and refuge on the ridges and among the mugo thickets. Here is what immediately ignited my curiosity and desire to know: a mix of truly unique natural beauty, so different from the Gran Sasso, and the numerous testimonies of the close symbiotic relationship and attraction between humans and the Mother Mountain. Even my grandfather, an Aquilan by birth, did not turn out to be unscathed by Majella's fascination: he spent two summers at the hermitage of Santo Spirito in 1949 and 1950, leaving behind a poem entitled to the hermitage itself in whose words I found myself in full. I couldn't resist telling this story with my photographs, and sharing it with all of you! Biography: “I was born in Rome in 1980, I'm a PhD in Geology and Freelance photographer. Initially, I focused on nature landscape photography, guided by my scientific education and from practicing mountaineering sports and skiing which allowed me to stay in close contact with the mountains and natural environment. Later on, I got involved mainly in research related to reportage, portraiture, landscape and architecture/interior photography. Currently, although I use a full frame digital camera for some professional commitments, I pursue my personal photographic research and professional works shooting in analog large format (from 4x5" to 8x10"), both in color and black and white, using both folding and monorail view cameras. I usually develop my own films and proceed with scanning and digital elaboration. My works are featured on the Linhof and Sinar websites, the two greatest large format equipment producers. I'm also a teacher of photography, mainly view camera technique, on both collective and individual basis, and a guide for photographic trekking in Central Italy. Since 2006 I've been involved in various personal and collective photographic exhibitions, both in Italy and abroad. My projects, awarded in several international photography contests, have also been published on various international photographic reviews.” Professional Art-secure packaging, Shipping with tracking code and insurance.