ART + CULTURE

Art and culture from Florence, Italy, focusing on exhibitions, museums, artisans and more.

ART + CULTURE

A woman’s touch – The evolution of early Italian still-life

Women artists often tried their hand at painting lofty subjects, but their knowledge was mostly secondhand and supported solely by viewing other paintings. Since women painters were excluded from higher forms of artistic training, their experience of the world was often limited to the domestic sphere and household objects, or

ART + CULTURE

Still-life revival

In the Middle Ages, artists had little flexibility for expression, especially when painting devout themes with moral undertones. Renaissance iconography continued to be religious and mythical, but it became more common for artists to depict the human form. By the 16th century, still-life had evolved considerably, and painters started

ART + CULTURE

Around the world and back again

A special exhibition honoring the Medici family is currently touring the United States. Natura Morta - Still-Life Painting and the Medici Collections consists of 43 works from the 16th to 18th century, by Italian, Dutch, Flemish and French artists. It also includes several pieces of Italian pietre dure (colored stone-

ART + CULTURE

What great paintings say

As I browsed in the Uffizi bookshop, a modest little paperback entitled 15th Century Paintings grabbed my attention. Glancing at the back of the book, I calculated that for the price of eight postcards, I could readily own this well-printed and profusely illustrated volume.   But then I had

ART + CULTURE

Five works worth a trip

Five works worth a trip In many cities in Italy, there is one piece of art that stands out above all others. This week, I will highlight five Italian cities and the one precious work of art, or an artist’s composite of works. These works often do not

ART + CULTURE

Not exactly Divine, but certainly comic

‘Do you think confessionals and stages are incompatible? They may be in other countries, but not in Italy’   Forget about all your idealizations when you read this book. Full ...

ART + CULTURE

The night the bridges come falling down

Rumours were rife all over the city. Many said the Anglo-American troops had already reached the outskirts of the city. However, one thing was certain. On the afternoon of August 3, 1944, the German High Command in Florence had the following ordinance displayed on the street corners: Beginning from

ART + CULTURE

The past in wax at ‘La Specola’

La Specola Via Romana 17, Florence Entrance fee: 4 euro adults, 2 euro  for children ages 6–16, Children under 6 enter free. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday 9-1; Saturdays 9-5; closed Wednesdays. Tel: 055-228-8251   In 1771, the Wax Model Workshop was established

ART + CULTURE

Renaissance Florentine Opera

Florence is dominated by Renaissance painting and sculpture. However, while it is not widely recognized locally, nationally or internationally, what we know as opera today began in Florence. Its birth represents an important epoch in the evolution of the Renassance and marks a very important milestone in the development of

ART + CULTURE

The Zoological Museum

La Specola Via Romana 17 Entrance fee: 4 euro Hours: 9–1, Sun – Tues; 9–5 Saturday   The ‘La Specola’ Museum opened to the public in 1775, under the auspices of the Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo of Lorraine. It was originally called the

ART + CULTURE

Innocent eyes

Whenever we visit a major art gallery it is usually to have our prejudices confirmed. We rediscover our favourite works and artists and congratulate ourselves on our impeccable good taste. This is why a visit to the Uffizi’s free exhibition of works drawn from its reserve collection is

ART + CULTURE

The remarkable story of a woman and her vegetables

I remember once being rather disappointed by the gallery of ‘modern’ art in Pitti Palace. After wandering around its corridors for an hour or two and finding mostly charming, if second-rate, 19th-century pastorals, I asked one of the attendants where all the modern art was. ‘

ART + CULTURE

In black and white

In a series of articles, James Douglas, lecturer in Italian Cinema Studies for the University of Bristol History of Art Department’s Study Abroad Programme at the British Institute of Florence and regular contributor to The Florentine on matters cinematic, takes a look at some of the high-lights

ART + CULTURE

Etching out a living

Still considered somewhat of ‘an outsider’ when compared to other more publicized art forms, the art of etching has always been surrounded by an air of mystery. Throughout its veiled history, it has often been seen as a ‘misplaced’ technique, searching for its role among the

ART + CULTURE

Trattoria Armando

Trattoria Armando 140/r Via Borgognissanti055-216-219Closed Sunday and Monday for lunchA few steps away from the Teatro Comunale, Armando has served genuine dishes since 1957, using only the freshest seasonal ingredients and traditional Tuscan recipes. Guests are warmly welcomed by Alessandra and Daniele, who often offer a glass

ART + CULTURE

Officina Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

L’Officina Farmaceutica di Santa Maria NovellaVia della Scala, 16Open: Mon-Sat: 9:30am to 7:30pmOne of the oldest pharmacies in the world, l’Officina Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella was founded in 1221, when Dominican friars first started using natural methods to cultivate plants and herbs

ART + CULTURE

The ‘Epiphany’ of the Italian garden is the Boboli, right here in Florence

The Boboli’s garden complex has played a significant role in forging an image of the ‘Italian Garden’ into the collective imagination. Here one can find monumental fountains, many types of grottas, a multitude of marble and stone sculptures, and many decorative elements arranged along its paths.

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