“Cosimo I de’ Medici and GiorgiomVasari or the art of power and the power of art. Miscellaneous news from the Florentine countryside “
Reggello celebrates the 450th anniversary of the death of two fundamental figures of the Italian Renaissance: Cosimo I de’ Medici and Giorgio Vasari. These two figures, inextricably linked to the history of Tuscany, left an indelible imprint on art and culture.
In the Reggio Emilia area, there are significant traces of these historical ties. On display at the Masaccio Museum of Sacred Art is the Triptych of Saint Juvenal, a revolutionary work by Masaccio. Giorgio Vasari, the first art historian, recognized in Masaccio a precursor of the new Renaissance artistic language.
Another link between Reggello and the Medici is represented by the Knight of Malta Antonio Martelli, parish priest of Cascia from 1562 to 1589, who, thanks to Cosimo I and his uncle, Bishop Braccio Martelli, returned to Medici favor. Antonio left Cascia two works of art in gratitude for the place.
To celebrate these illustrious figures, Reggello has organized a series of events from October to December 2024.
EVENTS
- Sunday, October 20, 6 p.m. – Pieve di San Pietro in Cascia: Inauguration of the celebrations
- Sunday, Oct. 20, 9 p.m. – Pieve di San Pietro in Cascia: Renaissance concert by the Giovanni da Cascia Music Association
CONFERENCES, 5:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 26 Pieve di San Pietro a Cascia: Cristina Acidini, “Cosimo I and Giorgio Vasari ovvero l’arte del potere e il potere dell’arte”
- Saturday, Nov. 16 City Library: Marialuisa Bianchi, “The Medici Family and Tuscan Identity”
- Friday, Nov. 29 City Library: Francesca Rachel Valle, “Cosimo I and the Women in His Life”
- Saturday, Dec. 21 Pieve di San Pietro in Cascia: Max Martelli, “Masaccio in Vasari’s account”
THEATRICAL SHOWS AND READINGS, by the Parish Group, in the Municipal Library, at 5:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 10: Maria Salviati, the mother of Cosimo de’ Medici.
- Sunday, November 24: Eleanor of Toledo, the Spanish wife .
- Sunday, Dec. 15: Eleonora degli Albizi, and Camilla Martelli the mistress and second wife of Grand Duke Cosimo I: two women compared.
EDUCATIONAL LABORATORS for families:
Friday, Nov. 1, 4 p.m. – Palazzetto dello Sport: Invitation to court with snack.
As part of the 51st Reggello Extra Virgin Olive Oil Festival.
Saturday, December 7, 4 p.m. – City Library: The Jewels of the Grand Duchess
Saturday, Dec. 14, 4 p.m. – Masaccio Museum of Sacred Art: Giorgio Vasari, an architect at court
In addition, guided tours of the museum are provided.
The Region of Tuscany supports the celebrations of these important Tuscan figures, symbols and icons of Italian Renaissance culture around the world, through grants to municipalities in Tuscany for the realization of events and initiatives dedicated to the two illustrious figures. The municipality of Reggello has also been admitted among the recipients of the grant.
