A lecture by Elon Danziger
Recent research suggests that the beloved Florence Baptistery was likely built not BY Florentines, but FOR Florentines — conceived by Pope Gregory VII and Beatrice of Canossa in the 1070s. Art historian Elon Danziger presents compelling new evidence, recently published by the Kunsthistorisches Institut, suggesting that the Baptistery originated through female patronage and papal influence. Drawing on previously overlooked historical documents and new architectural analysis, this talk explores how these extraordinary 11th-century figures commissioned what would become Florence's most sacred and central building, establishing a classical architectural vocabulary that would much later inspire Brunelleschi and launch the Renaissance proper. The presentation will include both scholarly evidence and vivid context that brings these remarkable historical figures to life.
If you are in Florence and would like to attend the lecture in person at the British Institute Library, please register here or send an email to bif@britishinstitute.it
The registration fee is 15 Euro per person.
To join this lecture online, simply click on this link to register and receive the Zoom meeting invitation: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/6NAvXbFATnKrgA7lxhoDzw . The virtual doors will open at 18:00 Italian time on Wednesday 24th September.
The recording of the virtual lecture will be available for registered participants only. Clicking on the link above, you authorise the British Institute of Florence to use your image, name and comments.
There is no charge to attend the event on Zoom, but we ask you to consider making a donation to support the Institute and its beautiful library if you wish to attend an event.
This lecture is sponsored by Jonathan Mandelbaum