In partnership with the Aspen Institute, Friends of Florence hosted an extraordinary trip to Rome and Florence to see and learn about Michelangelo’s life, his art, and some of the world’s most important historical sites in which his art is featured. Following on the heels of the Aspen Institute Arts & Ideas Series seminars on the Aspen Meadows campus, the tour was led by the president of Friends of Florence, Contessa Simonetta Brandolini d’Adda, and Italian Renaissance experts Dr. William Wallace and Dr. William Cook.
The expert guides engaged the group of approximately 25 people, mostly Society of Fellows members, in thought-provoking dialogue during private and rare visits to treasured museums and churches—including the pope’s private Pauline Chapel. The substance of the in-depth conversations focused on Michelangelo’s contribution to each site. Participants also enjoyed exclusive dinners at private palaces and villas, culminating with an intimiate dinner at the foot of Michelangelo’s David.
Michelangelo’s “Doni Tondo,” Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy. During the visit, Drs. Wallace and Cook explained the techniques and symbolism featured in each work of art.
Michelangelo’s “Moses,” San Pietro in Vincoli Basilica in Rome, Italy. The tour, led by the President of Friends of Florence, Contessa Simonetta Brandolini d’Adda, and experts Dr. William Wallace and Dr. William Cook, included a substantive discussion of Michelangelo’s contribution to each visited site.
Along with private and rare visits to treasured museums and churches, the group of approximately 25 people enjoyed an intimiate dinner at the foot of Michelangelo’s “David” sculpture.Plans are in the works for the next seminar in Aspen, as well as another trip to Italy. For more information, please contact Cristal Logan at cristal.logan@aspeninstitute.org or (970) 544-7929.
