Nov. 20, 2010 – Feb. 28, 2011
Prato – Italy

A dialogue between Tuscan arts during the Renaissance. This is the subtitle of this unusual exhibition, stemming from the joint efforts of the Textile Museum in Prato and the Museum of Ceramics in Montelupo Fiorentino.

From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance these two arts represented a major source of income for the area between Florence and Prato, in Western Tuscany, the outstanding quality of their artifacts, their creative excellence and exquisite taste being the key reasons for their popularity.

Interestingly, the pottery made in Montelupo from the 14th to the 16th century shows a certain resemblance to the patterns of silk textile designed in the same period of time. This is indeed the main theme of the exhibition, that compares the two arts from the point of view of designs and common cultural models and highlights their similarities.

Many designs were inspired by the natural environment. Pine cones, pomegranates and thistles are very common both on Montelupo pottery and on precious velvets and damasks.

A plate painted with endless knots finds an echo in textiles from the 16th century that boast the same complicated design.

The effect of the discovery of the grotesques on the Domus Aurea in Rome at the end of 15th century was electrifying in the world of arts. Pottery and textiles were no less influenced by the charm of this antique motif than paintings and frescoes.

Prato and Montelupo are still very active manufacturing hubs, the former specializing in textiles and the latter in pottery making. A visit to the exhibition is a good start to understand the role of tradition in the evolution of their products.

Ceramiche e Tessuti
Museo del Tessuto
Via Santa Chiara 24, Prato
Ph – 0574/611503
Email: info@museodeltessuto.it