Key Highlights
- The Giuliano Ghelli Civic Museum in San Casciano in Val di Pesa hosts an exhibition on the first florist painter of the 19th century.
- 40 works by Tito Chelazzi, a 19th-century artist who specialized in floral painting, are showcased for the first time.
- The exhibition explores the connection between art, science, and local identity through floral painting during the Risorgimento era.
- Cultural initiatives such as guided tours and educational programs are part of the exhibition’s offerings to engage visitors.
Rediscovering Tito Chelazzi: The First Florist Painter of 19th Century Italy
In a remarkable cultural revival, San Casciano in Val di Pesa pays homage to its native son, Tito Chelazzi, a 19th-century artist who specialized in floral painting. This revival is spearheaded by the Giuliano Ghelli Civic Museum, which has organized an exhibition titled “Con l’occhio del botanico. Flowers in nineteenth-century Tuscan art from the Bezzuoli to Tito Chelazzi.” The exhibit runs until March 1 and features a selection of about forty works that have never been publicly displayed before.
Art, Science, and History Interwoven
The exhibition delves into the interplay between art, science, and history. Curated by Michele Amedei, it brings together works from Tito Chelazzi with those of his contemporaries, including the Bezzuoli brothers, who were renowned for their botanical studies and artistic creations during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This collaboration between science and art reflects a period when nature was not only an aesthetic subject but also a field of study, a moral symbol, and a metaphor for civil rebirth.
A Unique Opportunity for Engagement
Visitors to the exhibition will have access to a rich program of collateral events. These include lectures with scholars such as Anna Donatelli from the University of Florence and guided tours led by curator Michele Amedei, who will provide insights into Chelazzi’s role in the Risorgimento movement. For children aged 6 to 12, there is an educational campus called “From Flower to Flower,” which will offer hands-on activities designed to stimulate their artistic approach to nature.
Historical Context and Legacy
Tito Chelazzi (born in San Casciano in 1834 and died in Florence in 1892) was an original protagonist of the Italian nineteenth century, combining a scientific observation of nature with a strong civic and patriotic sensibility. His works are deeply rooted in local identity and have been cherished by many Sancascianesi for generations. The exhibition aims to bring his work back into the spotlight, offering a unique opportunity to explore the language of naturalistic art through Tito Chelazzi’s lens.
The cultural project is supported by the Municipality of San Casciano in Val di Pesa and aligns with their ongoing efforts to promote high-profile research and dissemination.
The exhibition is divided into three sections, each focusing on different aspects of 19th-century Tuscan floral painting. By highlighting Chelazzi’s work alongside that of his contemporaries, the exhibition provides a comprehensive view of this genre during a transformative period in Italian history.
The exhibition opens from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., with admission priced at €8 for full tickets and reduced prices for groups and residents. Free entry is available for children under six years old.
For more information, visitors can contact the museum via email or phone.
In conclusion, the exhibition “Con l’occhio del botanico” offers a unique insight into the life and work of Tito Chelazzi, providing not only a celebration of his art but also a tribute to the rich cultural heritage of San Casciano in Val di Pesa. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in 19th-century Italian art and its connections with science and history.
