The Marble Mines of Carrara – quite an experience and only a couple of hours away from Florence.

The Marble Mines of Carrara – quite an experience and only a couple of hours away from Florence.

by | 28 Feb, 2018 | Florentine History, Marble mines, Medieval History, Michelangelo, News, Renaissance Art, Sculpture, Social History, Tours

The Marble Mines of Carrara – Visiting this special place is quite an experience and these beautiful mountains with their white treasure, exposed for all to see, even from the railway line way below them, are available to visit only a couple of hours away from...
Santa Felicita Church, Mrs Macabee and Mother Mary

Santa Felicita Church, Mrs Macabee and Mother Mary

by | 9 Jan, 2018 | Exhibitions, Florentine History, Fresco painting, Martyrs, Medieval History, Religious History, Religious Symbolism, Renaissance Art, Restoration, Rome - Eternal City, Saints, Social History, The Medici

Santa Felicita and Mrs Macabee – two tragic mothers – and much confusion! Whilst in Florence, I recommend a visit to the Santa Felicata Church. Often missed on the tourist agenda, partly because it is obscured by stalls and restaurants, this church is...
Emilio Santarelli, who sculpted Michelangelo and grew a garden full of camelias

Emilio Santarelli, who sculpted Michelangelo and grew a garden full of camelias

by | 9 Apr, 2017 | Florentine History, Florentine money, Garden tours, Italy and the American Imagination, Michelangelo, News, poets and poetry, Renaissance Art, Sculpture, Social History, Tuscan gardens, WW1

Emilio Santarelli,(1801–1886) was the Florentine artist who sculpted the vigorous and sympathetic sculpture of Michelangelo Buonarotti for one of the most prominent niches in the Uffizi.  He was an important Florentine artist,...
Plautilla Nelli – the Nun who started a Women’s Art Movement in Florence in the 1500’s – now stronger than ever.

Plautilla Nelli – the Nun who started a Women’s Art Movement in Florence in the 1500’s – now stronger than ever.

by | 20 Mar, 2017 | Advancing Women Artists AWA, Exhibitions, Florentine History, Medieval History, News, Painting, Religious History, Renaissance Art, Restoration, Social History, The Last Supper, Women artists

Suor Plautilla Nelli (1524–1588) is the first-known female Renaissance painter of Florence, Italy. It is not possible to confirm that the portrait, shown below, is the painter who chose to become a Nun and entered the Convent of St. Catherine of Siena in Florence,...