The weekend of September 23-24 the hilltop town of Montepulciano presents an exhibition of 100 antique books and prints. Aptly set in the birthplace of Poliziano, the classical Renaissance scholar and poet, the conference aims to celebrate and enhance the intellectual and cultural treasures handed down from the past.
The conference opens on Saturday at 10 am with a discussion of St. Brigid of Sweden and St. Catherine of Siena, both patron saints of Europe. (Palazzo Comunale, free entry). Along with the display of books and prints, other talks of interest will take place.
On Sunday, September 24, presentations on such diverse subjects as local archeology, 16th century Tuscan comedy, agriculture of the 16th century compared to current agriculture and culminating with a discussion of Renaissance women writers and printmakers can be attended.
Students and teachers from local high schools as well as Italian and foreign scholars will present the various talks and discussions. The events will be held in the Palazzo Comunale and the Fortezza Poliziana.
Visitors are invited to visit the city of Montepulciano, view the rare books and prints, listen to the presentations and, of course, enjoy a glass of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
The town is also hosting an art show by Futurist artists in Pinacoteca Crociani Civic Museum in Palazzo Crociani, Via Ricci 10, which has been extended to November 5. The 40 paintings on display are by Umberto Boccioni, Fortunato Depero, Roberto Baldesarri, Tullio Crali, Gerardo Dottori, Giulio D’Anna, Marisa Mori and Giacomo Balla. The concept of Futurism, also as an artistic style, was founded in Italy in the early 20th century. This popular avant-garde ideal tried to express the energy and values of the machine age by championing the concepts of speed, power and force and in turn was seen to oppose traditional artistic conventions. The exhibition is open daily from 10 am – 7 pm, closed Tuesday. (rita kungel)
