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The Medici Chapels, located in the majestic church of San Lorenzo in Florence, are a sanctuary of invaluable artworks and historical testimonies. Among these treasures lies the Tomb of Lorenzo, Duke of Urbino (1492-1519), nephew of the famous Pope Leo X (1475-1521).Crafted by the genius of Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564) in the final years of his stay in Florence, the tomb celebrates Lorenzo de’ Medici, the only son of Piero “the Unfortunate” de’ Medici and Alfonsina Orsini. Lorenzo, lord of Florence and the first and only Duke of Urbino from his dynasty, was a handsome, witty, and cultured man but lacked…

There are places that, hidden from the majority, whisper forgotten stories, remnants of a past that reveal themselves only to those fortunate enough to discover them. These hidden corners, though not celebrated in the annals of art, encapsulate the essence of past lives, narrating tales that deserve our attention just as much as the more famous works.One such place I captured several years ago: the Church of the Immaculate Conception, situated in the ancient heart of Vercelli, my city. This 18th-century building, adjacent to the old Poor House, once a refuge for children and youths from struggling families, shines with…

The birth and realization of the majestic dome of Florence's Cathedral, Santa Maria del Fiore, represent one of the most fascinating and revolutionary moments in the history of architecture. The creation of this monumental structure required the invention of new construction techniques essential to overcome the challenges posed by its immense size.The Challenge of the Drum and Brunelleschi's IngenuityThe drum, the architectural element at the base of the dome, stands as a colossus that needs robust support to bear the weight of the structure above. The large openings, designed to let divine light into the cathedral, posed an additional obstacle…

Visiting the Medici Chapels adjacent to the Church of San Lorenzo in Florence is an experience full of unexpected discoveries. Among the marvels one expects to admire are the tombs of Giuliano and Lorenzo de’ Medici, masterfully crafted by Michelangelo in the "New Sacristy." This is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and sculpture. Additionally, one anticipates entering the opulent Chapel of the Princes, an octagonal space topped by a dome reaching a height of 59 meters, the second grandest in the city after Brunelleschi's.A Treasure of ReliquariesHowever, what visitors seldom expect to find in the crypt is a treasure of…

The temporary exhibition at Gallerie d’Italia in Milan offers a captivating immersion into the work of Alighiero Boetti, one of the most influential and innovative conceptual artists of the twentieth century. Masterfully curated by Luca Massimo Barbero, this exhibition features a significant selection of works from the Luigi and Peppino Agrati collection, two patrons who recognized and celebrated Boetti's genius.Born in Turin in 1940 and passing prematurely in Rome in 1994, Alighiero Boetti dedicated his life to exploring the limits and possibilities of conceptual art. The Milanese exhibition traces this relentless search through a setup that reflects the variety of…

Recently, I had the pleasure of immersing myself in the exhibition dedicated to Felice Carena, hosted in the elegant halls of Gallerie d’Italia in Milan, part of the Intesa Sanpaolo group. This exhibition venue is renowned for the impeccable quality of its shows, which combine high artistic and historical interest with meticulous and refined setups.Felice Carena, born in Turin in 1879, began his artistic training at the Accademia Albertina, where he studied figure drawing with Giacomo Grosso and painting with Lorenzo Delleani. Carena's early works reflect the influence of Grosso's realism, with meticulous attention to detail and a vivid representation…