
In Renaissance Italy, art became the most effective means for public, private and religious individuals, and institutions to communicate ideas. Whether it was to educate, impress, control, reassure or intimidate audiences, art became an extremely effective political tool and language of power. Join Dr. Rocky Ruggiero as he explores celebrated examples of Italian Renaissance art that were used as devices of power and politics.
Immediately followed by the Surrounded Islands Members Preview Reception. Become a Museum Member to attend both events for free.
Date of event: 2/22/2025
Time: 4 – 5 pm
Pricing: Free for members; $16 for non-members
*Price is for Members Preview Reception only. Lecture tickets sold separately.
Location: NSU Art Museum
*Please note, with this paid lecture ticket you may visit the museum at no additional cost, PRIOR TO THE LECTURE ONLY, so arrive early if you wish to take advantage as the Museum will be closing at 4:00 p.m. on this Saturday, 02/22 for our Christo Opening Reception.
Presenting Sponsor:
Dr. Rocky Ruggiero has been teaching art and architectural history for nearly 30 years. He received his BA from the College of the Holy Cross and a Master of Arts from Syracuse University, where he was awarded a prestigious Florence Fellowship in 1996. He furthered his art historical studies at the University of Exeter, UK, where he received a PhD in Art History and Visual Culture. He is also the author of the book Brunelleschi’s Basilica: The Building of Santo Spirito in Florence.
Dr. Ruggiero lived in Florence, Italy, for 20 years, where he lectured for several American universities, including Syracuse, Kent State, Vanderbilt, and Boston College. Dr. Ruggiero has also written and starred in various television documentaries for his expertise in the Italian Renaissance. He has appeared for NBC News, History Channel’s “Engineering an Empire: Da Vinci’s World,” “Museum Secrets: the Uffizi Gallery,” and the NatGeo/NOVA PBS program “Great Cathedral Mystery.” His last two documentaries, “Florence: The Art of Magnificence,” and “Medici: The Art of Power” aired nationally on PBS.
Dr. Ruggiero now lives in the U.S. where he offers online art history courses and educational webinars. He also offers in-person lectures, tours and cultural events throughout the U.S. about Renaissance art and architecture.
In Italy, Dr. Ruggiero leads private excursions and week-long travel programs throughout the country, offering participants in-depth and often exclusive experiences with Italian art, architecture, and culture, in addition to fine accommodations, food, and wine.
For information about his travel programs, online courses, video lectures,
documentaries, blogs, and podcasts visit https://rockyruggiero.com.
Major support for NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale is provided by the David and Francie Horvitz Family Foundation Endowment, the City of Fort Lauderdale, Jerry Taylor and Nancy Bryant Foundation, Wayne and Lucretia Weiner, Broward County Cultural Division, the Cultural Council, and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners, Community Foundation of Broward, Lillian S. Wells Foundation, the Wege Foundation, Beaux Arts of Fort Lauderdale, The Hudson Family Foundation, Delia Moog, Charles and Laura Palmer, Dr. Barry and Judy Silverman, Broward Health, and Friends of NSU Art Museum. NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
Image: Sandro Botticelli, The Adoration of the Magi, 1475-1476.