I recently visited two little jewels; one that I happened across on Instagram by the Opera di Santa Croce about St. Francis and the other that was shared in an email from art historian extraordinaire, Alexandra Lawrence.
Both piqued my interest and since both are only a short stroll across my bridge, Ponte delle Grazie, and relatively close to each other…off I went!
Women of the Sky (“Donne del Cielo”)
From Muses to Scientists
♦ When Alexandra Lawrence mentioned this exhibit, not only did it sound interesting and was at a venue I had never visited but I always love and appreciate her level of knowledge and recommendations.
So, when she shared the following, it went on my “list”!
“I was out on a wander the other day when I chanced upon a small exhibit being held at the Biblioteca Nazionale called Donne del cielo: Da muse a scienziate (Women of the Sky: From Muses to Scientists), which looks at the role of women in astronomical research and explores the female images that appear in representations of the cosmos from the Renaissance to the early-20th century.”
– Alexandra Lawrence
I had never visited the imposing Biblioteca Nazionale but Alexandra’s recommendation was enough for me!
And, it was indeed totally worthwhile. I found myself alone to enjoy this fascinating exhibit.
Located in the elegant Sala Dante, “Women of the Sky” is described as
“…the first time in Italy an exhibition (is) dedicated to the role of women in astronomical research and the imagery of women recurrent…from the Renaissance to early 20th century.”
The visitor is guided through the centuries chronologically to learn the historic role of women and their contributions as muses and as scientists in astronomy, many of which are little known and quite significant.
This also includes their challenges and obstacles in the scientific world (which were considerable!).
♥ Featured: Original manuscripts, music lyrics, artifacts, letters, telescopes and instruments (including Galileo’s telescope), stunning embroidered canvases and more…
♦ Visit Biblioteca Nazionale
Piazza dei Cavalleggeri, 1
Firenze FI, Italy
Exhibit Dates:
March 8 – June 8, 2024
Free
♦ The other little treasure was shared on Instagram by the Opera di Santa Croce. Coincidentally, on my very frequent walks, I pass this shrine acknowledging that, indeed, Saint Francis arrived here in Firenze for the first time in 1211.
I always pause as I pass, over 800 years later in his footsteps…(and legend has it that the Basilica of Santa Croce was founded by St Francis himself).
♦ The post shared about a recent project dedicated to enhancing the green space of Santa Croce:
“A pleasant place to be reconciled with Nature and appreciate the gifts of Creation. The Garden of San Francesco has just been inaugurated, behind the Basilica of Santa Croce, open to all and freely visitable, with access from Via San Giuseppe. The garden is home to over two hundred plant species and some uncultivated spaces to grow spontaneous plants and flowers freely. Francesco’s garden is part of the “The Seed of the Common Good” project, born from the agreement between the Opera di Santa Croce, the Community of the Conventual Friars Minor and @abocait, together with @progettovaltiberina, which enhances the experience of visit the entire complex. This green corner, located in the historic center of Florence, offers a window on the ancient Franciscan tradition and a space for reflection for pilgrims and hikers who undertake the ancient Via di Francesco in Tuscany.”
♥ A lovely meditative and tranquil oasis in the heart of Florence…Visit their instagram post:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6_sIMFNXxW/?igsh=eG03M2F2eWc4ZXRq
Incidentally both are free and uncrowded, yes, free and UNCROWDED!
♥ This beautiful quote from Pope Francesco, which was in the “Women of the Sky” exhibition, seemed appropriate for this post…
