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Monumental Beauty: Florence's Duomo Complex with Sally Tucker

Monumental Beauty: Florence's Duomo Complex with Sally Tucker


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

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.

Customer Reviews

Based on 16 reviews
94%
(15)
6%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
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B
B.K. (San Antonio, US)
Outstanding program

One of the best Context programs I have viewed. And considering that most are outstanding, this is saying something.

S
Sandra S -- Boston (Saugus, US)
A Wonderful Review of the Creation of the Cathedral Complex

Wow, this was a fast-paced but detailed discussion about the making of the astounding Santa Maria del Fiori cathedral, the Baptistry, and the Bell Tower in Florence. Many centuries of the evolution of the construction, the history behind the building, and the contributions of the architects/painters who effected this complex were included. The speaker began with showing the viewer her clear outline (thanks!) -- our journey through the content. The challenges of building that awesome cupola was related in addition to the story behind the later construction of the cathedral's newer facade. Ms. Tucker was an animated speaker who showed her enthusiasm for her topic and breadth of knowledge. I think I will re-watch the recording to ensure that I grasped all the content! Loved it.

J
Judith Fisher (Buffalo, US)

This was the best conversation I’ve attended so far. Packed with information.

L
Laura (Wichita, US)
Fantastic

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. .

k
kareen (Chicago, US)

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.

Customer Reviews

Based on 16 reviews
94%
(15)
6%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
B
B.K. (San Antonio, US)
Outstanding program

One of the best Context programs I have viewed. And considering that most are outstanding, this is saying something.

S
Sandra S -- Boston (Saugus, US)
A Wonderful Review of the Creation of the Cathedral Complex

Wow, this was a fast-paced but detailed discussion about the making of the astounding Santa Maria del Fiori cathedral, the Baptistry, and the Bell Tower in Florence. Many centuries of the evolution of the construction, the history behind the building, and the contributions of the architects/painters who effected this complex were included. The speaker began with showing the viewer her clear outline (thanks!) -- our journey through the content. The challenges of building that awesome cupola was related in addition to the story behind the later construction of the cathedral's newer facade. Ms. Tucker was an animated speaker who showed her enthusiasm for her topic and breadth of knowledge. I think I will re-watch the recording to ensure that I grasped all the content! Loved it.

J
Judith Fisher (Buffalo, US)

This was the best conversation I’ve attended so far. Packed with information.

L
Laura (Wichita, US)
Fantastic

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. .

k
kareen (Chicago, US)

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.