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The ”Vanity” Affair: The Prophecy, Politics, and Passions of Girolamo Savonarola with Dr. Kristin Stasiowski

The ”Vanity” Affair: The Prophecy, Politics, and Passions of Girolamo Savonarola with Dr. Kristin Stasiowski


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

Perhaps one of the most engaging, mysterious, and fiery figures of the Italian Renaissance, Girolamo Savonarola’s rigorous critique of Medici excess rocked the very heart of 15th Florentine politics. A charismatic, devout, and unapologetically radical Dominican monk during a time of enormous political upheaval, Savonarola prophesized a return to civic renewal, claimed a future of Christian glory, and praised the destruction of secular art and literature that resulted in the infamous “Bonfire of the Vanities” in which even Boccaccio’s Decameron went up in smoke! Later himself accused of heresy and burned at the stake in the very same piazza as his bonfire, Savonarola’s story captures the spirit of an age of Italian Renaissance intrigue marked by enormous transition, creativity, and political disruption. 

Led by an expert in Italian literature and culture, Kristin Stasiowski, Ph.D., this interactive seminar will introduce participants to the historical figure of Girolamo Savonarola through an in-depth discussion of the intellectual, historical, and political contexts in which he operated and offer a glimpse into the scandalous life and times of one of history’s greatest “influencers.”

Kristin Stasiowski, Ph.D. is the Assistant Dean of International Programs and Education Abroad for the College of Arts and Sciences and is also an Assistant Professor of Italian Language and Literature in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages at Kent State University. She received her Ph.D. from Yale University in Italian Language and Literature and has taught Italian language, literature, cinema, history, and culture in both Florence, Italy, and at Kent State. She recently published a chapter entitled "A Divine Comedy for All Time: Dante's Enduring Relevance for the Contemporary Reader" in Italian Pop Culture: Media, Product, Imageries. Rome, Italy: Viella Editrice s.r.. Her current research is focused on Dante, Boccaccio, and the modern poet Clemente Rebora.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 5 reviews
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(5)
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G
G. (Montreal, CA)
The "Vanity" Affair

As always, Kristen's talk was stimulating, enthusiastically delivered and easily accessible. The images were stunning & relevant. For me Savonarola was placed within the political context of the Medici power which gave a fuller understanding of that period and the role he played within the history of Florence.
Time very well spent educationally as well as pleasurably.

e
e.g. (Little Rock, US)
Savonarola: A compelling character in a complex time

Dr. Stasiowski is a gifted teacher who brings this story to life. Context makes all the difference in understanding the narrative beyond black and white.

M
M.S. (Chestnut Hill, US)
Captivating talk about Savonarola

This was a great talk. Kristen’s lecture was well organized, accompanied by some slides. She is a captivating speaker and it is obvious that she loves to impart her knowledge. Highly recommended.

S
S.S. (Oxford, US)
Savonarola

Oh my! Kristin Stasiowski is the best lecturer yet!! she made me aware of the life and times of the medici and Savonarola and it was wonderful how she showed us paintings of Bottecelli and the Dominicans and I am going to listen to it again when you send the recording!My curiosity has turned into a real wanting to understand the medieval mind! I just equated it to the Nazi book burning.

A
A. (Porto Alegre, BR)

Guest did not leave comment

Customer Reviews

Based on 5 reviews
100%
(5)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
G
G. (Montreal, CA)
The "Vanity" Affair

As always, Kristen's talk was stimulating, enthusiastically delivered and easily accessible. The images were stunning & relevant. For me Savonarola was placed within the political context of the Medici power which gave a fuller understanding of that period and the role he played within the history of Florence.
Time very well spent educationally as well as pleasurably.

e
e.g. (Little Rock, US)
Savonarola: A compelling character in a complex time

Dr. Stasiowski is a gifted teacher who brings this story to life. Context makes all the difference in understanding the narrative beyond black and white.

M
M.S. (Chestnut Hill, US)
Captivating talk about Savonarola

This was a great talk. Kristen’s lecture was well organized, accompanied by some slides. She is a captivating speaker and it is obvious that she loves to impart her knowledge. Highly recommended.

S
S.S. (Oxford, US)
Savonarola

Oh my! Kristin Stasiowski is the best lecturer yet!! she made me aware of the life and times of the medici and Savonarola and it was wonderful how she showed us paintings of Bottecelli and the Dominicans and I am going to listen to it again when you send the recording!My curiosity has turned into a real wanting to understand the medieval mind! I just equated it to the Nazi book burning.

A
A. (Porto Alegre, BR)

Guest did not leave comment