A spring art guide of Florence

In the eighteenth century, the French Enlightenment writer, historian and philosopher, Voltaire, wrote that the Renaissance in Italy marked one of mankind’s greatest cultural achievements.

The city of Florence is home to the largest collection of Renaissance architecture and art in the world and boasts some of the greatest masterpieces from this age of artistic and cultural enlightenment.

If you are thinking about a trip to Florence to soak up some of the city’s unique artistic heritage, with a series of exceptional events dedicated to art impending, it could prove provident to make your trip to Florence this spring.

In case you need any further persuading, here is a overview of some art-orientated events taking place this spring in Italy’s ‘art capital’.

Angry Young Men: The Birth of Modernity
Taking place in Florence’s majestic Palazzo Strozzi, the ‘Angry Young Men: The Birth of Modernity’ exhibition explores the relationships between three of Spain’s greatest painters – Dali, Picasso and Miro.

This landmark exhibition will be held until 17 July 2011 and comprises of more than 60 works produced by the three artists prior to the 1920s, as well as over 100 sketches made by Picasso in his development of Cubism. This unique exhibition is structured to mirror a film comprising of flashbacks which guides visitors through a series of spaces designed to symbolise the thoughts and reflections of these three great artists.

The 1900s Seduced
Held in the spectacular surroundings of the striking Villa Bardini in Florence, The 1900s Seduced exhibition focuses on the revival of 17th century art in Florence by artists and art critics in the years between the two world wars. Until 1 May 2011, 17th century Italian art enthusiasts will be able to explore and admire the works of the likes of Antonio Bueno, Felice Carena, Primo Conti, Carlo Socrate amongst others.

The Ghirlandaio Family Renaissance Painters in Florence and Scandicci
Taking place in the mighty and beautiful rooms of the Castello dell’Acciaiolo in Scandicci, until 1 May 2011, visitors of this inspiration exhibition can admire the works by Domenico Ghirlandaio and other artists who ran a workshop, which dominated the Renaissance scene in Florence for more than a century. This fascinating exhibition also includes an exploration of the museums, abbeys and churches in this north western corner of Florence which have been heavily influenced by the works of the Ghirlandaio family.

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