The top 5 events for the week of Febrary 5-11, 2015. Download the full list of events in Florence: http://theflr.net/download
EXHIBITION/ Gherardo delle Notti Feb 10–May 24.Uffizi Gallery, piazzale degli Uffizi, Florence
This week, be among the first to get a glimpse of the Dutch Golden Age at the Uffizi. Gerard van Horst, popularly known as Gherardo delle Notti, was a court painter well-liked by the Medici. In the early years of his career, before moving toward a more characteristically Dutch style, he spent time in Rome and took most of his cues from Caravaggio. This exhibition focuses on his particular variety of genre painting, including his ‘Most Bizarre Paintings and Merry Suppers,’ depicting many convivial scenes, often set at night, which is what earned him his nickname.
RUGBY/ Women’s Six Nations Championship Match February 6, 7pm kickoff. Lodigiani stadium, via P. Paoli, Florence On your mark, get set, scrum! Expect a rousing evening out at the stadium when the highly anticipated Women’s Six Nations Championship match pits Italy against Ireland. Asked about facing off against Italy, newly appointed Ireland captain Niamh Briggs expressed nervousness, citing the squad’s consistency over the past few years and the fact that it has had ‘no big retirements.’ Ireland, on the other hand, has a brand-new coach, captain, team structure and loads of new players—but they just had a big 31-12 win against Wales. All bets are off! For tickets and information, see the website.
FIRENZECAPITALE/ A Capital and its Architect Until June 6. Archivio di Stato, viale della Giovine Italia 6 (piazza Beccaria)
The words ‘Firenze Capitale’ seem to be on everyone’s lips as Florence marks 150 years since King Vittorio Emanuele II rode into the newly declared capital of Italy. Florentine Giuseppe Poggi was the principal architect behind much of modern Florence, giving the city a full-blown makeover and demolishing its medieval walls. Among the dozens of events taking place over the next few months, this exhibition (fittingly located near one of the squares he designed) focuses on his distinctive work, featuring documents, preliminary sketches and more that shed light on the Florence we see today.
EAST/ New Chinese Realism
February 6–17, 10am–7pm. Fortezza da Basso, Florence
After last month’s Pitti fashion fever, the Fortezza hosts ‘Constant Change: The New Realism in Chinese Painting.’ A fresh departure for the venue, it features works on display from the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, one of China’s most prestigious art schools, making its Italian debut. The paintings reflect not only the evolution of Chinese art, but the drastic, historic, societal changes China is facing as its image changes across the globe.
MARKET/ Gadget Fever! February 7 & 8, 9.30am–7pm. Obihall, lungarno Aldo Moro, Florence
Has your hard drive gone crazy or your Blackberry bitten the dust ? Head to Teatro Obihall this weekend and check out the huge selection of electronics at slashed prices. Vendors from all over Italy will bring everything from phones and cameras to children’s toys and games. Entry is 6 euro.
