Join us in celebration of our newest featured exhibition

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2025
6 TO 8 PM

WITH GUEST LECTURER

DR. ROCKY RUGGIERO

Dr. Rocky Ruggiero has been a professor of art and architectural history since 1999. He has appeared on NBC News, The History Channel’s “Engineering an Empire: Da Vinci’s World,” Nat Geo/NOVA PBS’ “Great Cathedral Mystery;” and his documentaries “Florence: The Art of Magnificence,” and “Medici: The Art of Power” aired nationally on PBS.

AND GUEST CURATOR

martina becattini

Martina Becattini graduated in the History of Art from the University of Bologna and has worked at the Stibbert Museum in Florence since 2004, where she serves as curator of the house museum, furnishings, and paintings. Her work focuses on the study and enhancement of the museum’s collections through scholarly publications and exhibitions.

PROGRAM BEGINS IN THE AUDITORIUM AT 6:15 PM
WITH RECEPTION AND HORS D’OEUVRES TO FOLLOW.

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“Medici: The Art of Power”
Presented by Dr. Rocky Ruggiero

The Medici family was one of the longest lasting dynasties in history. From relatively modest beginnings, the family became one of the most wealthy and powerful in Europe. As bankers to some of Europe’s most important rulers, including the Pope, the Medici had a very strong influence on the geo-politics of their time. But perhaps their most enduring legacy is that of patrons of the arts. Artists such as Donatello, Brunelleschi, Botticelli and Michelangelo all developed under and enjoyed Medici largesse. The art of the Renaissance had become the visual political language of the Medici, and it was clearly a language of power.