MUSEUM LECTURE – Renaissance Art Conversations XXIX

Renaissance Art Conversations XXIX

Sicily and the Normans. Multiculturalism in a Medieval Kingdom
Dr. Guiliana Koch

Members – Adult: $0.00
Non-Members – Adult: $18.00

RSVP: judyo@friendsoftheuffizigallery.org

Sicily and the Normans: Multiculturalism in a Medieval Kingdom – Overview Before William of Normandy invaded England in 1066 and claimed his throne, other Normans had successfully crossed Europe into the Italian peninsula and created their own state in the south.

The Normans, who all were descendants of the Vikings, conquered southern Italy and Sicily establishing a kingdom that would last over seven hundred years through multiple dynasties. Beginning in the 11th and well into the 13th century, the Norman Kingdom of Sicily with its capital in Palermo was sophisticated, cosmopolitan, tolerant and produced great culture for the world of their time.

The Normans succeeded in blending the ancient Greek, Byzantine, Arab and Christian cultures into one of the most successful experiments of what we call today “a melting pot”.

The prelude will highlight Sicily’s surviving cultural monuments, the most scenic and historic sites along with music and art of the exceptional island folklore.

The one hour presentation will bring to life the magnificent saga of the Normans as they encountered the complex antiquity of the Mediterranean worlds and became the leaders of a new fusion of cultures which can still be experienced today.

Giuliana Castellani Koch – Bio
Giuliana Castellani Koch holds a doctorate degree from the University of Florence in Contemporary Italian and Comparative Literature. Her entire education focused on Classical Studies (Liceo Classico) and her published dissertation was on the poetry of Nobel Prize Winner Eugenio Montale.

Giuliana has taught Italian Literature and Language at several U.S. Universities and has lectured on Italian Culture at several educational and cultural venues in the United States. Her family dates back to the 14th century in Florence.

Giuliana has been on the board of several Art institutions, and is currently a board member at The Society of the Four Arts.

Residing in Palm Beach, Florida with her husband, John, a Board Member and the Treasurer of The Society of the Four Arts, they also enjoy visiting their two sons with young families in Connecticut and New York. The family also gathers in the summer in their ancient Tuscan family home.