On-Line/Live Event
FREE WEBINAR | “The Greatness of Tuscany” with Dr. Rocky Ruggiero
August 25, 2026
1 hour
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA – RENAISSANCE ACADEMY 2027
“Timeless Tuscany”
IN-PERSON ART HISTORY ACADEMY
with Dr. Rocky Ruggiero
Date: February 19, 2027
Group Size: Maximum 25
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA – RENAISSANCE ACADEMY 2027
“Timeless Tuscany”
Date: February 19, 2027
Time: 11:00am – 3:15pm
Location: Café Sapori Restaurant, 205 Southern Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33405
Cost: $495.00
Includes: All in-person lectures with Dr. Rocky, morning coffee and biscotti, and group lunch at Café Sapori
Program Description:
The Italian region of Tuscany gave rise to some of the most significant political, economic and artistic cities in the world. This full-day, in-person academy will trace the great history and explore the marvelous art of various Tuscan cities, such as Pisa, Prato, Siena, San Gimignano, Volterra, Lucca, Livorno, Florence, and many others. It will also examine the general lore associated with one of the most breathtaking and best-preserved countrysides in the world. This combination of artistic genius, economic prosperity and beautiful surroundings gave rise to an extraordinarily high quality of production of the visual as well as the oenological and culinary arts, all of which continue to inspire the world today.
Schedule:
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2027:
– Session 1 – 11:00am-12:30pm – “From the Etruscans to Michelangelo”
The Etruscans were an ancient people who lived in and gave name to the region of Tuscany. While they were eventually conquered by the Romans, the Etruscans left behind a rich archaeological inheritance. But it wasn’t until the High Middle Ages, however, that Tuscany would see a resurgence of economic prosperity and political stability in cities such as Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, Lucca, and Volterra that eventually gave rise to the period that we define as the Italian Renaissance. The Florentine artist that helped usher in this golden age of art and learning was, of course, Michelangelo Buonarroti. This first lecture will explore the history, art, and architecture of Tuscany from its ancient origins to its greatest period of artistic productivity, which is best characterized by the art and architecture of the “Divine Michelangelo.”
– Lunch break – 12:30-2:00pm (Group lunch at Café Sapori)
– Session 2 – 2:00-3:15pm – “From the Medici to Modernity”
While the early history of medieval Tuscany was characterized by self-governing, republican city-states, with his conquest of Siena in 1555, Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici took nearly all of Tuscany under his control, essentially defining the geography of the region that we still see today. The reign of his six successors was marked by a general decline in the importance of the region with the only exceptions being Grand Duke Ferdinando II’s protection of Galileo in the last decade of the great scientist’s life and Anna Maria Luisa’s “Family Pact” dictating that all Medici art and treasures remain in Florence forever. Yet, despite the decline of Tuscany’s political importance, it has become one of the modern world’s most prosperous regions due to its extraordinary production of olive oil and wine, as well as its unparalleled preservation of its artistic patrimony. This second lecture will trace the development of Tuscany from early modern times when it transformed into a Grand Duchy to what Tuscany has become today in our own world.
Cancellation and Refund Policy:
Payment in full is required at the time of registration and all sales are final. No refunds are offered on events, nor is payment transferrable to other events, on-line products and/or travel programs. We reserve the right to reschedule or cancel a class or event due to unforeseen circumstances, inclement weather, or otherwise. In the event of an event cancellation, we will contact you directly at the phone number or email address you have provided to offer a full refund or credit to transfer to a future event. Late Arrivals and No Shows will not be eligible for a refund.
