Italy

Art, exhibitions, cultural heritage, and collecting stories connected with Italy. Coverage includes Italian artists, historic works, art fairs, and objects whose design or history reflects the country.

Bottega d’Arte Toscana – Ancient Italian Gold Art Techniques in the 21st Century | Exclusive Interview with Silvia Salvadori

Portrait of Marilyn Monroe by Silvia Salvadori, with blonde hair and green earrings against a gold background of stars and zodiac symbols.

Silvia Salvadori is an award-winning Italian painter who specializes in contemporary iconography as well as Gothic and Medieval art styles. She is one of the few artist in Italy that uses ancient pictorial techniques that were handed down directly from Cennino Cennini himself.

Now, from her studio “Bottega d’Arte Toscana” in Arezzo, Tuscany, Silvia creates incredible historical reproductions as well as stunning original works of fine modern art, often merging the past and the present techniques in spectacular ways. Real 24 karat gold, which has become her artistic signature, is ever-present on most of Silvia’s paintings which are in high demand in Europe and all over the world.

The Great Spadolini – Dance, Art & Espionage

Composite of a black-and-white photograph of Alberto Spadolini in a dance pose over colourful painted dancers.

The Spy with License to Dance … and Paint!

This isn’t a fictional book by Ian Fleming, nor an imaginary film about the world’s most famous secret agent.

The “James Bond” we’re talking about here is Italian, and his name is Alberto Spadolini (1907 – 1972).

He was sexy and daring like 007, surrounded by fascinating women and celebrities of the international jet set, continually moving between different milieux – showbiz, politics, sophisticated circles, and war scenarios.

The only difference is – he was real.