This morning we must break up into two groups as we are going to the Florence restoration labs located within the Medici Fortezza De Basso. It is overcast and about forty degrees when the first group leaves at 8:30 for the walk to the labs. The second group left at 10 am in sprinkles that turned into a steady cold rain. Again, no pictures were allowed in the Italian State run restoration labs, but the students had a once in a lifetime experience seeing things that most human beings will never see – priceless artwork at your fingertips. The details we were able to see on Giotto’s crucifix were amazing among many other pieces being worked on all over the lab. Both groups have time to break for lunch and shop or rest before the next appointment.
The afternoon took the students in another direction across town, thankfully the rain had abated by then, to a private restorer who specializes in ivory and bone. The students were able to have an intimate hands-on experience with the tools, techniques, and hear her professional philosophy.
The day ends with a crisp walk to dinner through the glowing shop windows of Florence.
No comments:
Post a Comment