Interesting Exhibition in Florence decicated to two of the Medici women.

From the 24th of October 2008 until February 8 2009 Florence hosts in Palazzo strozzi an interesting exposition dedicated to the misterious Medici women., Caterina and Maria. The title is "Cateria e Maria de Medici: donne al potere, Il ritorno a Firenze di due regine di Francia" and present masterpieces of other museums.

These two women have been queen of France over a period of hundred years, and their reigns have been travailled by troubles and wars (Catholics VS Hugonots between the XV and XVI centuries. Both energic women used art to make politics, promoting art to gain the favour in a moment that saw no other women in politics. Under their reign artists such as Rubens y Van Dyck found protection and work.

Fifteen huge paintings inspired to the queen and widows named Artemisia of Greek mythology compose the exposition. One was a great warrior while the other erected the Mausoleum of Halicarnax in honour of her Husband Mausulo, one of the seven marvels. A section is dedicated to her.

The work of Fiamming Bernard Rantwyck, drawings of Antoine Caron and Henry Lerambert and Italian artists such as Francesco Curradi, Jacopo da Empoli, Cesare Dandini, Domenico Fetti e Francesco Furini of the XVII century can be admired. Women of Power is the central theme and is exposed in the paintings dedicated to the two queens, that are also to be found in the jexels of the time.

They both were art collectresses with a vast passion for art, with controversial personalities and a veil of mistery as it is clear in the astral talisman of Caterina, displaying her interest for for divination.

The exposition is open to public from 9 am to 8 pm and on Thursdays until 11 pm. Entry allowed up to an hour prior to closing. Entry is 10 Euros er person.

To get more info please visit: http://www.palazzostrozzi.org/