The historic beauty of Tuscany - "Tuscan Rooms: Interiors from the Heartland of the Renaissance"
- mymoderndarcy
- Sep 30
- 3 min read
Dear readers, the twice-yearly Pitti Immagine (also known as Pitti Uomo) in Florence is a must-attend event for refined menswear and fashion enthusiasts, international buyers, bloggers, and dandies alike. Not only does it unveil innovative designs in menswear and accessories, but it has also become a gathering place for stylish, elegantly dressed men to showcase their finery, often catching the lens of renowned fashion photographers and emerging as accidental style icons. While Florence is celebrated for this prestigious event, as one of Tuscany’s crown jewels, it is also a city steeped in art and history, particularly that of the Renaissance. Beyond its world-famous museums, which offer enlightenment through masterpieces, there is another way to immerse yourself in the region’s historic beauty and quintessential lifestyle: by stepping into the grand mansions and palazzi of its locals. If you’ve dreamed of such a journey but haven’t yet had the opportunity, the new book titled “Tuscan Rooms: Interiors from the Heartland of the Renaissance” will possibly satisfy your craving, offering a vivid tour of Tuscany’s timeless allure just before you can see it in person.
Published by Rizzoli with text by British writer, Ms. Aimee Farrell, this exquisite volume is crafted for those with a deep appreciation for Tuscany’s historic residences. It delves into the region’s aesthetic splendor, way of life, and unwavering commitment to preserving its authentic culture. The foreword, penned by Ms. Caterina de’ Renzis Sonnino (Co-Founder of Cabana magazine, renowned for celebrating interiors and decorative arts) and Ms. Dora Loewenstein (a London-based philanthropist), sets the stage for a visual feast. Accompanied by stunning photography from Mr. Antonio Monfreda, who is the art director, photographer, and international director of Cabana, the book unveils a curated selection of homes and palazzi belonging to esteemed designers, artists, and noble families, many of which are revealed to the public for the very first time!
Exploring these living spaces is a rare privilege, offering insight into how these creative minds and aristocrats shaped their surroundings — and, in turn, how their environments influenced their ideas, creations, and artistic way of living. The book makes it nearly impossible to choose a favorite residence, as each is uniquely magnificent, bearing the marks of generations of dedication to collecting, preserving, and paying homage to Tuscan history.
Marvel at the 17th-century splendor of Palazzo Ginori, where Renaissance opulence shines through exquisite upholstery, decorative arts, and archival documents, creating a harmonious atmosphere. Equally captivating is the 15th-century manor once owned by the Medici family, now the home of esteemed antiquarian, Mr. Giovanni Pratesi, a home that is filled with rare art, antique sculptures, and scholarly charm. Another noteworthy is La Civetta, the residence of the late interior designer, Count Manfredi della Gherardesca, a warm and welcoming space adorned with colored glassware, animalistic porcelain, and Anglo-Indian furniture. Fashion aficionados will be delighted by the Pucci Palace, transformed by Ms. Laudomia Pucci into a contemporary tribute to her late father Emilio Pucci’s legacy. Inside this stunning palazzo, one can find mannequins draped in vibrant Vivara prints in a salon, alongside the classic and soothing interior inside furnished with 18th-century paintings, antique marble busts, and Murano glassware, seamlessly bridging past and present while celebrating Tuscany’s enduring artistic spirit.
As writer Ms. Martina Mondadori reflects, “Tuscany is not merely a region; it is a living canvas, a dreamscape that has cradled the imagination of artists, poets, and thinkers for centuries.” If you cherish the fashion and creativity born of this region, then let your internal canvas be enriched by its art, history, and art of living, as a thorough immersion into the soul and beauty of Tuscany.
Image courtesy of Rizzoli USA.