Florence and the Renaissance: The Art of Magnificence
Florence…..
”You will begin to wonder that human daring ever achieved anything so magnificent.”
John Ruskin, Mornings in Florence 1875
Florence exhibits to this day a particularly well-integrated visual culture that integrates fully the arts of painting, sculpture and architecture. This program will explore the development of art and architecture in Florence from the period c. 1050-1500 AD. Through an in-depth analysis of the art and history of this period, we shall develop an understanding of Florence’s role in the overall development of Western civilization.
In addition to aesthetic and stylistic themes, we will also explore social, political, economic and historical issues.
Palio 2019 Program
The Palio…
Twice a year, on July 2 and August 16, the city of Siena transforms its main medieval square into an arena of unbridled fury. Ten bareback horses and their respective jockeys race three laps at breakneck speed around a dirt-covered piazza that is filled with fifty-thousand people! That is the Palio, and for the past seven centuries winning it has been the most important objective of every Sienese citizen.
”Many race for the palio, but just one takes it.”
Dante Alighieri, Il Convivio
Although the race lasts only ninety seconds, it is the climatic catharsis of an entire year of preparations, negotiations, contracting, festivities and prayers for the ten contrade or “neighborhoods” who know that they will be running in the next Palio. The Sienese veritably live and die for the Palio. The members of a winning contrada (or contradaioli) will celebrate with pacifiers in their mouths as a symbol of being reborn in victory. The contrada that has not won in the longest time is called la nonna – “the grandmother”. The flag bearer of a contrada will always be present at the funeral (not to mention baptism, first communion, wedding, and 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries) of one its contradaioli with the characteristic colors and animal symbol of the contrada held high. As one historian put it, “…the Sienese never really stop thinking about the Palio.”
But seeing the Palio is not enough! In order to truly understand this seven-century-old tradition, you must live it.
Rome “The Eternal City” Program
Rome | The Eternal City…
This course will explore the development of art and architecture in Rome from Antiquity to the Baroque period. The ancient Romans referred to their city as the “caput mundi”, or the “capital of the world”. Stretching as far west as the Atlantic Ocean, as far south as the Sahara, north to modern-day Scotland, and east to the Euphrates River, the Roman Empire encompassed nearly half of the known world. The ancient monuments of Rome still stand as testimony to the former power of the city.
“A fool is one who admires other cities without visiting Rome”
Francesco Petrarca
With the collapse of the Roman Empire, Christianity became the new “spiritual empire”. Popes supplanted the emperors and began to compete with them as patrons. The Early-Christian period is one of the most fascinating in history. Renaissance popes would imitate the emperors of the past and appropriate much of their architectural and artistic style in order to create what Pope Julius II called the “New Ancient Rome”. No complex better embodies this tradition than the Vatican. The greatest artists of the day migrated to Rome to contribute their skills to honor St. Peter. The result is one of the greatest decorative complexes on the planet, which includes works like the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Thanksgiving in Florence
Florence…..
”You will begin to wonder that human daring ever achieved anything so magnificent.”
John Ruskin, Mornings in Florence 1875
Why Visit Florence over Thanksgiving?
- Florence is not very crowded in November so no having to deal with the overwhelming crowds of tourists that mob the city during the summer months.
- Airfare and hotels are significantly less expensive in November.
- Mild early-winter temperatures make it very pleasant to walk the characteristic medieval streets of the city
- It is the best culinary season of the year, with new wine, new olive oil, porcini mushrooms, wild-boar and WHITE TRUFFFLES!!!!!
- Having a child, grandchild, or sibling studying in Florence is the perfect reason to visit this extraordinarily beautiful city as well.
- And YES, WE DO TURKEY!!!!
The Splendors of Venice
Program Details
Venice was the longest lasting Republic in history. The city’s privileged position as cultural and economic bridge between the Eastern and Western Christian world contribute to the uniqueness of Venice. The art and architecture in Venice clearly displays this combination of Islamic, Byzantine, and Classical influences. Artists such as Bellini, Giorgione, Titian and Tintoretto would make Venetian painting perhaps the only school to rival that of the Central Italian Renaissance. You will not only examine the buildings and paintings of Venice, but also the history of perhaps the most singular city in the world.
5 Day-program based in Venice
Lodging included
TOUR INCLUDES:
– 6 nights accommodations at historic and luxurious five-star Hotel Bauer
– All lectures and visits
– All transportation and admission costs
– Group lunch at Locanda Cipriani on island of Torcello