Historical notes on the evolution of bladed weapons

SERIES: The Art Market. Private passions. Beauty all around - Collecting frameworks, in conversation with antiquarians and experts - Under the aegis of Costantino D’Orazio, art historian, in collaboration with the Associazione Antiquari d’Italia
SPEAKERS: Gherardo Turchi, and Glauco Angeletti
DATE: Tuesday 30 May, 6.30 pm
PLACE: Sala del Refettorio

This talk will centre on a rapid overview of the evolution of bladed weapons in Europe between 1200 and 1800. It will also cover the evolution of the defence apparel tasked with providing a protective response to the use of said arms. 1200 marked a watershed not only as concerns a shift in battle tactics and the figures concerned but also and primarily a complete upheaval regarding the decorative dictates of the weapons, which with a slow and unstoppable development culminated in the sublime 16th and 17th century creation of weapons and armaments still admired worldwide. 

Gherardo Turchi's biography

Gherardo Turchi is a Florentine antiquarian and a lover of ancient weapons from a young age. His passion for hoplology was passed down by his grandfather and father who, in turn, with love and devotion specialised in the field of ancient weapons, also in the longstanding Florence gallery on Via Maggio where they have been since 1942. Turchi learnt his trade in the gallery, absorbing a love for ancient art applied to battle until his in-depth studies conducted away from the gallery made him an accredited expert on ancient art and hoplology with the Chamber of Commerce in Florence. Turchi has also written publications on ancient weapons.

Glauco Angeletti's biography

Glauco Angeletti is an hopology expert and a point of reference in the Italian world of ancient weapons. An expert hoplologist, ex art. 32 Law 110/75, of the Ministry of Culture for the Lazio, Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Tuscany, Umbria, Abruzzo and Molise regions, Angeletti holds many organisational positions in exhibitions featuring ancient weapons throughout Italy, boasting knowledge in the sector that is recognised at home and abroad. He has written many books and publications that are considered cornerstones of the Italian bibliography on ancient weapons. 

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