The Giuliano Ghelli Civic Museum in San Casciano in Val di Pesa is currently hosting a significant exhibition celebrating Tito Chelazzi, the 19th-century’s first florist painter. This exhibition, titled *Con l’occhio del botanico. Flowers in nineteenth-century Tuscan art from the Bezzuoli to Tito Chelazzi*, showcases forty previously unseen works by Chelazzi and runs until March 1, 2026.
Tito Chelazzi: A Rediscovery of a Talented Florist Painter
Tito Chelazzi, born in 1834 in San Casciano and passed away in 1892 in Florence, is recognized as a pivotal figure in 19th-century Italian floral painting. Despite his historical obscurity, contemporary critics hailed him as Italy’s first florist painter. The exhibition aims to shine a light on his contributions to art and science, situating his work amid the cultural and historical context of the Risorgimento.
Exhibition Highlights
The exhibition is curated by Michele Amedei and focuses on the intersection of science, art, and local identity. It features:
- Approximately 40 floral paintings and still life compositions.
- Works from private collections and notable institutions like the Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florence.
- Unpublished documents revealing Chelazzi’s role in the Risorgimento.
This initiative stems from the Municipality of San Casciano’s effort to enhance community engagement with its artistic heritage. Many local residents proudly own Chelazzi’s artworks, reflecting their deep-rooted connection to the artist and his legacy.
Artistic Contributions and Context
The exhibition is divided into three sections:
- The first focuses on Luigi and Giuseppe Bezzuoli’s floral art, illustrating the relationship between art and science during the Enlightenment and Romanticism.
- The second section features Chelazzi’s floral works, including painted mirrors favored by international patrons.
- The third highlights the botanical publishing project *I fiori*, which merged art and scientific popularization.
Cultural Engagement and Educational Initiatives
The exhibition is accompanied by a variety of educational programs, scheduled between January and February. These include:
- Lectures by renowned scholars from the University of Florence and the University for Foreigners of Siena.
- Guided tours led by the exhibition curator.
- An educational campus for children aged 6 to 12 to explore artistic interpretations of botanical themes.
Mayor Roberto Ciappi expressed pride in showcasing Chelazzi’s work, emphasizing the importance of his contribution to the floral painting genre. Culture Councillor Sara Albiani highlighted the exhibition’s goal of engaging families and the younger generation with artistic expressions related to nature.
Visitor Information
The exhibition hours are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is €8, while a reduced price of €5 applies for groups and local residents. Entry is free for children under six.
For more information, interested individuals can contact the museum via email or phone.
