Renato Ranaldi, Florence, 1941

Attraversare (Blue Ladder), 1999

Wood and l blue tempera
 300x600x40 cm
Location: Departments of Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio

The work is installed at the entrance of the Engineering building.  It consists of a blue wooden ladder which is horizontally suspended between one wall and another. Another double ladder of the same color repeats the pattern.  This one is set vertically into the first one, exuding a strong tension which stems from the contrast between a sense of solidity and precariousness.

At this stage of his artistic career, Ranaldi made many light blue or blue works exploring the theme of unstable crossings.  They recall the image of a tight-rope walker and the idea of a wavering equilibrium, symbols of the very existence of man.