History of Art study tour to Florence
While most pupils made their way home at the end of March, the History of Art Department set off on a study tour of Florence to see the Italian Renaissance works of painting, sculpture and architecture that they have studied in class.
Experiencing these masterpieces first-hand is an excellent way to kick-start revision. This year, we were all particularly taken with how much more meaningful the sculptural works are when you get up close and consider the techniques, scale, detailing and finish.
The sun shone for us and the food, wine and of course gelati, gave us suitable reward for all our hard work during the day. Here are some thoughts from both our A Level and IBDP pupils:
“The trip exceeded my expectations and it has certainly made me feel more confident in the run up to exams.”
Cecily (M) UVI A Level pupil
“My highlight from the Florence trip was seeing Donatello’s Mary Magdalene. The sculpture’s features were less harsh in person, which made her look very life-like and serene, however we still felt the physical suffering she was portraying. We already knew that Donatello’s choice of material was effective, but only by seeing Mary Magdalene ourselves could we fully appreciate what he had accomplished. It was breath-taking.”
Alienor (K) LVI IBDP pupil
“The History of Art Florence trip, for me, opened a new dimension of looking and understanding a piece of art. Whether it is in the minutiae detailing on Donatello’s Bronze David or the thick rustication of the Medici’s facade, being able to physically look at the works in the flesh has definitely benefited and furthered my understanding.”
Charlie (D) UVI A Level pupil
“Florence was perhaps the most impressive city architecturally I have been to. Walking around the city was like walking round a museum as every building in Florence had some historical reference. The most impressive painting I saw was possibly the Strozzi Altarpiece; the effects of gold and deliberate choice of the International Gothic Style revealed the motives of the patron.”
Ella (M) UVI A Level pupil
“I thoroughly enjoyed the History of Art trip to Florence and it was a very beneficial experience. I was particularly astounded by the sculptures on the outside of Orsanmichele. It was incredible to see the sculpture of John the Baptist and it was obvious to me that Ghiberti’s intention was to give off a very imposing impression. The sculpture of St Mark demonstrated Donatello’s increasing interest in characterization and psychological realism with his wise, intellectual and pensive stare, which seemed so prominent when looking at it in such close proximity.”
Maddie (M) UVI A Level pupil
“The trip to Florence was one of the best I’ve been on. We saw some amazing art and the weather was just perfect. It was so useful to see the art first-hand as it really brought it to life. In particular I loved the Strozzi Altarpiece of the Adoration of the Magi by Gentile da Fabriano – the gilding was breath-taking and something that isn’t possible to see unless in person.”
Mia (K) LVI IBDP pupil
“Seeing my favourite painting (the Venus of Urbino) in the flesh was such a different experience. No photo can fully represent a work of art. The opportunity to see small details of the brushstrokes was incredible. This painting has been printed on my memory and I’m still overwhelmed by it.”
Kate (M) LVI A Level pupil
The highlight of the trip for me was seeing sculptures such as the Bronze David and the views of the Dome and Florence from the tower. I also really enjoyed visiting the Pazzi Chapel as it is one of my favourite pieces of architecture in the A Level course.
Chloe (I) UVI A Level pupil
“It’s hard to pick something that impressed me the most as the trip was a myriad of constant adoration. Nevertheless, Donatello’s Mary Magdalene is the artwork that surpassed my expectations. The new display at the Museo dell’ Opera del Duomo has given the sculpture its own space behind glass and the dark ambience of the display room contrasted against the figure, displaying Mary Magdalene in all her fragility. Despite the highly undercut surface of the dangerously starved figure, it really felt like she could walk out of her pose at any given second. Quite paradoxically, it was the sculpture I saw the most life in, despite the depicted emaciated state.”
Anna (I) LVI IBDP pupil
