giovedì 19 gennaio 2012
Jonathan K. Nelson e la sua conferenza sulla virilita' del Botticelli e la dolcezza del Filippino
The first lecture of 2012 was held by Jonathan K. Nelson, the Assistant Director for Academic Programs and Publications at Villa I Tatti, the Harvard Center for Italian Renaissance Studies.
He started his lecture by presenting some recent comparisons of the artists Sandro Botticelli and Filippino Lippi. Art historians of the 21st century are of the opinion that the elongated, delicate figures in Filippono's paintings are echoes of Botticelli's art, whilst Filippino's attention to landscapes and influences of Flemish art are foreign to Botticelli.
A letter sent to the Duke of Milan in 1493 distinguishes, in a very different way, the styles of four painters then active in Florence. Botticelli's art has "a virile air and is done with the best method and perfect proportion", claims the unknown author of the letter. Filippino's art is described to have a sweeter air, but not as much skill.
By comparing works of the two artists, Prof. Nelson reached the same conclusion as the author of the 1493 letter. With well- ordered and balanced elements, Botticelli's art is what the Renaissance author would call "virile". Filippino's graceful art is sweet, containing a pleasing quality. "It's amazing that we can borrow these thoughts and explore things we might not have appreciated otherwise", said Prof. Nelson, referring to the letter.
The purpose of the letter was to help the Duke of Milan to choose an artist for a commission. Throughout the letter, Botticelli is the obvious favourite of the author. "You would think the Duke would chose Botticelli. But no", Nelson said. "He chose Filippino, the sweeter artist. I'm a Filippino man myself, and would also have chosen Filippino".
After the lecture, drinks were served. See more photos from the event in the gallery to the right.