Impressionist Art in Florence
“If I could choose a gift for thee, dear Heart, I should not choose the fairest things there are, in gems or gold, but I should choose, dear Heart, a Tuscan day to send thee afar. A Tuscan day which is a thing so sweet that it would teach thy English heart to beat…” Cora Fabbri wrote the lines of this poem but they could just as well describe the new exhibition that is now on view at the Palazzo Strozzi in Florence until July 15.
“Americans in Florence: Sargent and the American Impressionists” is the title of the exhibition which intends to bring you closer and demonstrate the indubitable connection that existed and even endured between North American artists and intellectuals and this beautiful and inspirational region of Italy.
Having been one of the hot spots of the commemorative activities being held in honor of the 500th anniversary of the death of Amerigo Vespucci, the exhibition has awakened an unusual interest and is guaranteed to be a success. United States’ Secretary of State Hilary Clinton was even present to open the exhibition.
Francesca Bardazzi and Sisi Carlo curated the exhibition which allows visitors to view works by more than thirty artists. The works of John Singer Sargent and William Merrit Chase especially stand out, but there are also works by Vedder, Frederick Childe Hassam, Lilla Cabot Perry and Frank Duveneck, among others, which one may enjoy in the exhibition. They, like so many other artists from the United States, remained impressionists once they arrived in Florence and the surrounding area. The light and the landscapes of Tuscany were an inexhaustible source of inspiration for these artists who were drawn to recreate the beauty of this region in northern Italy in their works. This generation of prolific artists that lived in Florence were guests of their wealthy compatriots and frequently changed their residence, which gave them different perspectives of the region and the surrounding areas. The decadent air of the old city, the architecture of the streets, the light of the countryside, the colors and sensations with which they could experiment were completely different than those that they knew up until that time. Now, thanks to this fantastic exhibition, Florentines and visitors to the city are able to be participants in this legacy that has been neglected by an entire generation of young people. The works in this exhibition have been selected from the most prestigious art galleries of the world.
The exhibition shares space with “American Dreamers”, a selection of works by contemporary North American artists, some well-known others less so.
The location was selected as venue for the very special collection is none other than the Palazzo Strozzi, a magnificent example of Italian Renaissance architecture that was commissioned by the merchant Filippo Strozzi. The Strozzi were traditionally the rivals of the Medici, the other great Florentine faction. The scale of is not frivilous; the palace was built to surpass the size and beauty of the Medici residence.
Pedro Paterna
Renting apartments in Florence is without a doubt one of the most comfortable ways to travel. Visit the city while and all of its various parts while doing something you will enjoy. The comfort and intimacy of having your own place to call home during your vacation is worth it.
