Mark Sandona

Biography

I grew up in Rockford, Illinois, went to college nearby (Evanston) and then made my big move to the East Coast in 1977, where I've been ever since. Before arriving at Hood in 1990, I worked at Bates College (1984-88) and Bowdoin College (1988-90) in Maine.

I've always been fascinated by the relationship between literature and other forms of expression, especially visual art; and I love to explore the way religious and ethical concepts are formed in literary language. Most of my research has been dedicated to these ideas.

I have had the good fortune to work with Anne Derbes (now Professor Emeritus of Art History) on the paintings in a 14th century chapel in Italy; we’ve published several articles and two books on this magnificent place—the Arena Chapel in Padua. Along the way, we've included several students in our research and have taken two groups of "art pilgrims" to Italy. Our recent book, The Usurer's Heart: Giotto, Enrico Scrovegni and the Arena Chapel in Padua, was published in 2008 by Penn State Press.