It is no secret that at Antica Torre Tornabuoni we are great supporters of Florentine Art and passionate about art in all its forms. So, when the opportunity of having a masterclass to teach our guests how to paint using medieval techniques, we didn’t think twice!

The workshop “The Secrets of Medieval Painting” is given by the art restorer Veronica Balzani, who has been studying old painting techniques since she started her career. And now, she’s sharing a little bit of her knowledge in our property, a historical tower in the heart of Florence.

Just as the medieval masters, you will discover that egg yolk is the perfect binder for glossy and glazed paintings. You will feel like one of Giotto’s apprentices when he first entered the great master’s “bottega” (workshop).

This experience will offer the opportunity for you to see and handle a wide selection of material used at the time: ancient and precious colors like lapis lazuli (lapis) or azurite; lacquers such as cochineal, and many other pigments.

You will learn about their history and use throughout the centuries, and how Giotto used them. And last, but not least, you will try your hand with egg tempera by paining a “miniatura” (miniature) of Florence’s Dome on a 23,3/4k gold leaf mounted on paper which you will take home with you as a keepsake of this incredible and unique experience.

The Secrets of Medieval Painting

The workshop lasts between 1,5/ 2 hours and includes your miniature to take home as an indelible memory of your trip to Florence.

Highlights – The  Secrets of Medieval Painting

Egg tempera:

– How to make it, how to use it;

How Giotto painted:

– His gilding technique

Ancient pigments:

– Pigments linked to wine (white, green and black)

– Precious pigments (lapis and azurite)

– Pigments linked to the history of food (zaffron and kermes lacquer)

Practice:

Mixing and making of egg tempera

“Cornice” (frame) tripartite layout technique

Drawing borders and painted backgrounds (“campiture”)

Varnishing

Mounting your own “miniatura” and take it home with

For more information, send us an e-mail on info@tornabuoni1.com or call us at +39 055.2658161.