Culture of the Gardens in the Italian Renaissance  

Join us for a reception of the Princess Giorgiana Corsini and her lecture on the Palazzo Corsini al Prato.

We are delighted to welcome Princess Giorgiana Corsini who will speak on the history and culture of gardens in the Renaissance. She brings rich understanding and hands-on experience in gardening and will, no doubt, give ideas to elegantly enhance our New England gardens.

The architecture of the Palazzo Corsini’s 16th century vaulted loggia in Florence is echoed in the structure of the classical gardens it faces. Fifteen generations of the Corsini family have enjoyed the Renaissance symmetry of their private gardens just steps from the center of Florence. The garden is highlighted by symmetrical box hedges, ancient statuary and potted citrus trees. It was recently updated by the famous landscape architect, di Collobiano, known for simplistic elegance. The Corsini have added color and scent with a variety of lavender and other vigorous Mediterranean plants.

Princess Giorgiana and Prince Filippo Corsini come from an historical Florentine family dating back to the 12th century. Their early fortunes were tied to trading with the Court of England. While their political influence declined under the Medici they increased their wealth through trading throughout Europe and providing a postal service. During the 16th and 17th century they built palaces in Florence, Tuscany and Rome including the palace on Via Sul Prato, home to their classical garden. The family regained political power with the elevation of cardinals and Pope Clement X11.

Today, the Corsini family maintains Wineries in Marsiliana and Le Corte and other agricultural properties. They also have one of Italy’s finest and most expansive family archives which have recently been moved from Florence to their Tuscan villa, Le Corti,  with a great deal of national press.

Giorgiana Corsini is an expert with hands-on experience in both Renaissance Italian classical gardens and aristocratic wineries in Tuscany. She travels and lectures throughout Europe, Canada and the United States.
 
 
Registration: $20/Member, $25/Non-member

Please register by Tuesday, September 22.