Rescuing Florence in the Renaissance

The Dante Alighieri Society of BC in Vancouver and

SFU’s Graduate Liberal Studies

invite you to a talk by Dr. Emily O’Brien

Rescuing Florence. Stories of a Renaissance City under Siege (1529-1530)

Thursday, 27 February 2025, 6.30 pm-8.00 pm (PST)

SFU Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, 580 West Hastings St., Vancouver Reception to follow

In 1529, Florence was besieged by imperial troops, backed by Medici Pope Clement VII. When Florentines finally surrendered in August 1530, the exiled Medici returned to power and went on to rule as dukes for two unbroken centuries. In her talk, Dr. O’Brien explores this pivotal event, highlighting Michelangelo’s efforts to defend Florence and its treasures, the sacrifices of its citizens, and the enduring memory of the siege in art, literature, and history.

RSVP: https://www.dantesocietybc.ca/event-details/rescuing-florence-stories-of-a-renaissance-city-under-siege-1529-1530

Dr. Emily O’Brien Dr. Emily O’Brien, Associate Professor in the History Department and in the Global Humanities Department at Simon Fraser University, specializes in the Italian Renaissance, focusing on 15th-century humanism, politics, and the papacy. Author of The Commentaries of Pope Pius II and the Crisis of the Fifteenth Century Papacy (UTP), she considers Italy her intellectual home.

RSVP by email: info@dantesocietybc.ca or online

The Dante Alighieri Society of Vancouver – www.dantesocietybca.ca

This event is organized under the patronage of the Consulate General of Italy in Vancouver.