Join two Titans of art history, Aliki Braine and Ben Street for an extraordinary visit to the Renaissance city of Florence. Christie’s Education is delighted to have these two student favourites take you on a three-day tour of this cultural and artistic centre.
On this exclusive visit to Florence, the splendour of the Renaissance and the masterpieces created during this significant period of culture and art history will come to life. Over three days, you will explore the works of Giotto, Masaccio, Botticelli, Raphael and, of course, Michelangelo. Join Art Historians Aliki Braine and Ben Street as she they guide you through the major sites and museums of the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Each day will include morning and afternoon sessions with entrance to galleries and museums included in the fee.
What you will learn:
An understanding of the history of the beginnings and growth of the Italian Renaissance
First-hand experience the major artists and artworks of this period in art history
A greater knowledge of the culture, art and architecture of the city of Florence
*Accommodation and flights are not included, however we are able to provide recommendations. Please also note that our tours include walking and standing in galleries, for anyone with mobility issues, please get in touch with our team to discuss options.
Academic Profile
Aliki Braine
Born in Paris in 1976, Aliki Braine studied at The Ruskin School of Fine Art, Oxford, The Slade School of Fine Art, London and The Courtauld Institute where she was awarded a distinction for her masters in 17th century painting. Aliki has been a regular lecturer at the National Gallery since 2001 and also teaches at the Wallace Collection, Courtauld Gallery and for The Arts Society. She is an Associate Lecturer in the Department of Fine Art Photography for the University of the Arts London. Aliki is also a practicing artist who regularly exhibits her photographic work internationally.
Ben Street
Ben Street is an art historian and writer. He has been a lecturer for the National Gallery, Tate, the Royal Academy, Dulwich Picture Gallery and Christie's Education, among other institutions. He is the author of numerous books for general readers, most recently 'How to Enjoy Art' (Yale University Press, released September 2021) and a contributing writer on contemporary art for Apollo, Art Review and the Times Literary Supplement.
Meet at CaffeConcerto Paszkowski, Piazza dellaRepubblica, 6, 50123 Firenze FI
Short walking tour through central Florence, where we will see the exteriors of the Baptistery, Duomo, and Palazzo Medici.
AM 10:00 San Marco Convent Museum
Here you will visit some of the major works of Fra Angelico including the crucifix on the high altar as well as other decorated rooms and spaces together with some of his most important panel paintings in the Sala dell’ Ospizio.
AM 11:30 Opera del Duomo The Opera del Duomo or the cathedral’s workshop and was founded by the Republic of Florence in 1296 to oversee the construction of the new Cathedral and its bell tower and houses the celebrated Florence Baptistry Doors.
PM 13:00 Lunch
PM 15:00 Santa Maria Novella
The day continues at Santa Maria Novella where majors work by Masaccio will be viewed. Rediscovered during renovations of the church in 1860, Masaccio’s Holy Trinity displays why the artist is considered one of the masters of the Early Italian Renaissance. We will also see stunning painted chapels by Ghirlandaio, Filippino Lippi, Uccello and Bonaiuti.
Thursday, 26 October 2023
AM 09:30
Meet at CaffeConcerto Paszkowski, Piazza dellaRepubblica, 6, 50123 Firenze FI
En route to the Uffizi we will look at the astonishing outdoor sculptures of the Orsanmichele and the Piazza dellaSignoria, including works by Donatello, Ghiberti and Giambologna.
AM 10:00 Uffizi Gallery
Day two begins with a tour of the Uffizi Gallery. Here you will come face-to-face with some of the world’s most celebrated paintings and artworks of the Italian Renaissance.
PM 12:00 Lunch – We will have a group lunch at the Uffizi Gallery Café
PM 13:00 Uffizi Gallery Tour Continues
PM 15:00 Basilica di San Lorenzo, Medici Chapel
In the afternoon we will visit the Basilica of San Lorenzo where will view works by Bronzino, Donatello, Fra Filippo Lippi and Verrocchio. We will continue with a visit of the Medici Chapel, constructed to contain the tombs of the Medici family members and created by Michelangelo.
Friday, 27 October 2023
AM 09:00
Meet at Caffe Concerto Paszkowski, Piazza dellaRepubblica, 6, 50123 Firenze FI
AM 09:30 Santa Felicita
The first visit takes place with Santa Felicita, with a focus on the Barbadori Chapel, designed by Brunelleschi and decorated by Jacopo Carucci, otherwise known as Pontormo. Here you will see the move from Renaissance art towards the elongated bodies and proportions of the Mannerist period.
AM 11:00 Santa Maria del Carmine
The morning continues with a visit to the Brancacci Chapel at Santa Maria del Carmine where you will gaze upon more awe-inspiring works byMasaccio and Filippino Lippi.
PM 12:30 Lunch
PM 14:00Santa Croce
Known as the Pantheon of Florence, this church contains many tombs and funerary monuments of famous Florentines including Niccolò Machiavelli, Galileo Galilei and Michelangelo.
