In December 2009, a newly restored David and Bathsheba by Artemisia Gentileschi was unveiled in Palazzo Pitti’s Sala Bianca. I remember it with fondness. Hers was the painting whose restoration would spur the formal establishment of Advancing Women Artists and “A Christmas Gift to Florence” was the name we gave to this temporary solo show. How exciting to see that exhibition banner with its gold lettering hung on the Pitti façade! The idea of honoring Florence at Christmas with restored art by women has never left me. I've always wanted to repeat the gesture and now, eight years later, the time has come again.
Comments