Ciao,

Today Spoleto Study Abroad students traveled to Florence!

After a great lecture, Mary Beth challenged students to imagine what it would be like to be a monk and wake up to the frescoes inside the cells of the Convent of San Marco. She also asked them to focus on the Virgin Mary’s hands in different frescoes, specifically in the famous Annunciation by Fra Angelico.

Standing in front of the Florence Cathedral also known as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. Across the walkway are the Gates of Paradise by Ghiberti. Students learned about the competition for the door design where Brunelleschi was the runner up. They discussed the importance of competition and patronage for artists.

Mary Beth, Mac, Danielle, and Nikki looking into the cells at the Convent of San Marco.

Students taking in Ghiberti’s baptistry doors.

Students learning from Andrea about the conflict between the Medici family and the friar Girolamo Savonarola.

A Domani!