Monumental Beauty: Florence's Duomo Complex with Sally Tucker
Explore the fascinating history behind Florence's cathedral complex and learn what makes it the quintessential monument to the city's achievements in the arts. We’ll trace the compelling story behind one of Europe's grandest cathedrals and learn how some of history’s greatest artists and architects overcame nearly three centuries of monumental challenges in order to construct the duomo complex in Florence.
From the baptistery of San Giovanni’s enigmatic design to the astounding genius responsible for the completion of the world’s largest masonry dome, this conversation will shed light on the ingenuity that led to the completion of the three crown-jewels of Florentine religious architecture: the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (also known as the Duomo of Florence), its bell tower, and its baptistery. We will also examine the significance of the cathedral to Florentines past and present, and reveal some surprising secrets behind the building’s current appearance.
Led by an expert on Florentine Renaissance art, Sally Tucker, the interactive seminar will explore the history of Florence’s duomo complex and the events surrounding its construction and will consider the impact of these buildings on architectural history more broadly. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with a better understanding of the overall history of Florence and of the cultural climate that led to the birth of the Renaissance.
Sally Tucker is a PhD Student in Italian Studies at University of California Berkeley and frequently returns to her former home in Florence for research. She is fascinated by Italian art, history, and culture and holds a PhD in Italian Renaissance Art from Syracuse University. While all areas of Italian art history interest her, she is especially fascinated by sixteenth-century sculpture and its ties to the literature of the period.
This conversation is suitable for all ages.
90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.
This was the best conversation I’ve attended so far. Packed with information.
This is the best “Conversation” of the many I have attended since their start. Ms Tucker knew he subject thoroughly, organized well, had good slides and was passionate about the subject and the act of presenting it. The presentation was at a very good pace . I would attend anything with her name as the presenter. .
Sally's discussion was so interesting to me, adding so many facts and tidbits to my knowledge of this subject. I've loved visiting the Duomo so many times when I was in Florence.
She was very knowledgeable, but also made the talk fun and entertaining.
Outstanding organization and selection of slides, knowledgeable and in-depth comments—perfection throughout!