Francesca Alexander (1837-1917), originally known as Ester Frances Alexander was an accomplished Illustrator, author, painter and philanthropist. Born in Boston to Francis Alexander, a famous American portrait painter and Lucia Gray Swett, a wealthy heiress. When she was 16, Alexander moved to Florence where she would spend the rest of her life. Alexander, though not classically trained, was a gifted illustrator. Learning from her father, she would draw anything and everythi

At 5.30 pm on November 26, 2025, join us at Il Palmerino Cultural Association, in the Colonica di Villa Il Palmerino, for a lecture by US writer and professor Jacqueline Marie Musacchio, entitled: The Art and Life of Francesca Alexander (1837 - 1917) , after her recently published book by the same name. Francesca Alexander and her parents moved from Boston to Florence in 1853 and became part of the city's thriving international community. She was a largely self-taught artist,

Professor and Historian Giulia Calvi recounts the history of clothing, bodies, and imagery all around the world. Calvi stresses that clothing can exemplify geographical origin, gender, social status, ethnicity, age, profession and religious affiliation. As a former history professor at the University of Siena and the former chair-holder of Gender History in the Department of History and Civilization at the EUI, Calvi is well versed in the intertwinedness of clothing, history,

At 5.30 pm on November 26, 2025, join us at Il Palmerino Cultural Association, in the Colonica di Villa Il Palmerino, for a lecture by US writer and professor Jacqueline Marie Musacchio, entitled: The Art and Life of Francesca Alexander (1837 - 1917) , after her recently published book by the same name. Francesca Alexander and her parents moved from Boston to Florence in 1853 and became part of the city's thriving international community. She was a largely self-taught artist,

Join us for a conversation between a historian on Italian aristocratic families,  Domenico Savini and art historian, Silvio Balloni about the close friendship of painter Giovanni Fattori and the Corsini family.  Giovanni Fattori (1825-1908) was an Italian painter. He was a leader of the Macchiaioli movement, a Tuscan art movement similar to impressionism. Fattori had a close relationship with the Corsini family, as they often funded his paintings and invited him to stay on th

The Cultural Association of Il Palmerino is pleased to announce our latest event, featuring author Paola Ballerini on Friday, October 24th at 5:30 pm. In conversation with Andrea Gigli, Paola will present a live reading and presentation of her latest poetry book, "la vita che si versa". We look forwad to you joining us. To RSVP for yourself and any guests, please email associazione@palmerino.it with your full name.