May 13th – Don’t miss the new lecture from the International Study Group in Brussels. The topic – History and architecture of the Florentine countryside will be presented by Marie Storms.
Where & when: May 13 at 10.00,
Chateau St. Anne, Rue du Vieux Moulin 103, Auderghem.
Free parking in Av. Val Duchesse. Easy access by public transport.
Guest Fee: €10
HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE OF THE FLORENTINE COUNTRYSIDE by Marie Storms
Laurent de Médicis known in Florence as « Laurent the Magnificent » had a dream ! Passionate about the arts, he asked his trusted architect, Guiliano da Sangallo to design a “jewel of stone” the most perfect example of a Renaissance country villa. This was Poggio a Caiano. Built in 1480 as a showcase of the power of the Medici at the peak of their 300 years of glory.
An entirely new architecture compared to other médicéen villas around Florence, like the villas Cafaggiolo, Artimino, Calerggi, Fiesole and many others, because these were all fortified at the time, that is to say in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. The Florentine nobility loved to retire to their country estates and constructed sumptuous retreats like the Villas of the Corsini Princes in San Casciano and the Villa Gamberaia in Settignano.
Because of the sheer strength and exceptional dimensions of these villas in the Florentine hills, they were able to play an important dual role as both sumptuous princely residences and well-defended citadels. Life was gentler, the conversation freer and the wines from their vineyards more delicious while away from Florence itself.
About the speaker
Marie Storms is the grand-daughter of Countess Anastasia Ghisi, from an old Venetian family who had their palazzo on the Grand Canal of Venice from the early years of 1200. It is still the palazzo Ghisi Boldù but is no longer in the hands of the family. Passionate about the history of Italy and Venice in particular, each year she organizes guided tours to learn about and view these magnificent properties.
Marie’s early enthusiasm for philosophy took her to Leuven University, where she obtained her PhD with honours for a thesis on the Italian philosopher Giambattista Vico. After graduating, she followed her architect husband, a specialist in the restoration of ancient monuments, to Rome where she met the celebrated creator of jewelery, Princess Heliette Caracciolo. After a career in creating jewelery in Brussels & London she returned to Belgium where she pursues her enduring interest in Italy.
Since 1960 International Study Group (ISG) has been arranging talks in English on a wide variety of subjects; the arts, the sciences and from current affairs to space exploration. We identify experts who are qualified in their field of interest to talk to us with the aim of furthering the knowledge and understanding of our members. ISG was started by a few women at the American Women’s Club of Brussels (AWCB) but we have been independent for many years now. Our members come from some 25 countries and our Belgian members tend to have lived and worked abroad and wish to mix with other nationalities.
Talks are always given in English and are open to everyone who is interested and available. Meetings are held at the Chateau St. Anne on the 2nd Monday of the month at 10.00 a.m. Members receive a monthly newsletter with a calendar of events and can participate in visits to exhibitions, social lunches, Summer and Christmas events. Individual Annual Membership costs €35; Alternatively, you may attend any talk as a guest for a fee of €10. You may also join as a couple for €60. For more information contact: ISGbrussels@gmail.com
