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Michelangelo in the Shelter: Underground Secrets Revealed

Deep beneath Florence's soil, under the magnificent Basilica of San Lorenzo, a fascinating story kept secret for centuries has been uncovered. In 1975, behind an ancient cabinet, a secret shelter was discovered - the temporary home of one of history's greatest artists, Michelangelo Buonarroti
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The secret basement, discovered by chance, tells a dramatic story from the life of the 55-year-old artist, who was forced to hide in 1530 due to a threat to his life. Kinneret Zohar-Lahav, a Renaissance expert, will reveal this fascinating story in a special Zoom lecture to be held on December 26, 2024, with two screenings – at 10:30 AM and 6:00 PM.

• Registration link for the lecture

The shelter's location is no coincidence. The Basilica of San Lorenzo was a significant venue for Michelangelo's work, where he operated in the shadow of two artistic giants who preceded him – Donatello and Brunelleschi. In this complex, he established a special service room for church equipment, also intended to commemorate the Medici family.

The stunning discovery in the basement reveals a most intimate aspect of the artist's life. Charcoal sketches were found on the shelter's walls, presumably created by torchlight during quiet night hours. These drawings provide a rare window into the artist's creative process and reflect his struggle with the challenges of depicting the human body in sculpture.

Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, who lived from 1475 to 1564, was much more than an artist. He was a true Renaissance man – sculptor, painter, architect, engineer, and poet. His monumental works, such as the David statue and the Sistine Chapel frescoes, are landmarks in Western art history.

The lecture will reveal the complex political background that led the great artist to seek refuge in the secret basement and shed light on a dramatic period in his life. The site, which for centuries was accessible only to nobility and the city's wealthy, is now open to the public, offering a rare glimpse behind the scenes of one of the most fascinating periods in art history.

While some scholars doubt the origin of the drawings and suggest they might have been made by his students, the very existence of the shelter and the findings discovered within provide new insights into the life and work of one of history's most influential artists.

The lecture will be held from the comfort of your home via Zoom, offering a rare peek into one of the most intriguing discoveries in the art world. Those interested in participating are invited to register in advance.

Lecture in Hebrew

Lecturer: Kinneret Zohar-Lahav