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Florence, Italy

Florence, Italy

ART 290: Art & Mysticism

Art & Mysticism of Florence

Course held during the Spring II 2024 term.

Travel during Spring Break 2024: February 24 to March 2, 2024

This one-unit course offers an immersive study of the art and mysticism found in the rich history of Florence, Italy. Exploring the themes of alchemy, esotericism, witchcraft, and the legacy of witch-hunts, Renaissance art, and contemporary occult practices, students will delve into the enigmatic symbols, codes, stories, artistic masterpieces, and modern-day mystical experiences.


Faculty Facilitators

Professor Natessa Amin

Assistant Professor of Art

 

Cost

  • Program Fee:  $1,600
  • Airfare & Transportation: $1,200
  • Self-Pay Program Cost:  $2,600
  • Elevate Program Cost:  $0
  • For all travelers:
    • Insurance Fee:  $75 charged directly to your Student Account
    • Recommended for Meals & Personal Funds: $300+
    • Tuition: None, if taken in course load.

Quick Facts

  • Application Deadline:  October 15, 2023
  • Program Length:  10 days
  • Units: 1
  • Eligibility:  Undergraduate MU student; Sophomore standing or higher; 2.0 GPA or higher
  • Language:  English

All the landmarks mentioned in this itinerary will be visited. Some changes may be made in the order they will be visited depending upon the weather.

Day 1: Arrival in Florence, Orientation, and Mysteries Unveiled
● Welcome to Florence: Overview of the course and study abroad itinerary
● Introduction to the mystical traditions, including alchemy, esotericism, necromancy, witchcraft, Renaissance art, and contemporary occult practices

Day 2: Guided tour of Esoteric Florence, Visit Art Supply Stores, History of mystical techniques
● Guided tour of Santa Croce and exploration of its esoteric symbols
● Study of the intricate facades and hidden messages at Santa Maria Novella
● Unveiling the secrets of necromancy in Piazza Santa Croce
● Examination of the symbolic significance of the Florence Baptistery
● Exploration of the Palindrome and its mysterious properties
● Unraveling the legends surrounding Pazzino de Pazzi and the Holy Sepulcher relics
● History of different techniques and practices
● Exploration of art stores
● Discussion of multiple approaches to mystical practices in art. Explore Frottage, Parsemage, Automatic Drawing, and other mystical art practices.
 

Day 3: Day Trip to Pisa, San Gimignano, and Siena: Mystical Treasures of Tuscany
● Explore the iconic Piazza dei Miracoli, Leaning Tower of Pisa and the mystery surrounding the construction of this architectural marvel and the symbolic significance it holds.
● Romanesque architecture, hidden symbolism and sacred geometry incorporated into its design.
● Esoteric symbols and enigmatic messages inscribed on the facades of the historic buildings in Pisa, ancient knowledge and mysticism.
● San Gimignano:Journey to the medieval town of San Gimignano, renowned for its well-preserved towers, medieval architecture, hidden symbols and ancient rituals that were once practiced Collegiate Church of San Gimignano, frescoes and mystical art, spiritual significance behind the artistic depictions.
● Arrive in Siena, Gothic architecture, Piazza del Campo, folklore, rituals, and traditions associated
with Palio horse race a centuries-old event, rooted in ancient pagan beliefs.

● Visit the Siena Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and discover the mystical symbolism embedded in its intricate design and artwork.

Day 4: Uffizi Gallery: Renaissance Art and Mystical Symbolism
● Visit the Uffizi Gallery, renowned for its collection of Renaissance art
● Analysis of artworks featuring mystical symbolism and esoteric themes
● Discussion of the connections between art, alchemy, and hidden meanings

Day 5: Uffizi Gallery: Witchcraft and Occult Motifs
● Exploration of artworks depicting witchcraft, occult practices, and supernatural elements
● Study of historical witch hunts and their portrayal in Renaissance art
● Examination of hidden messages and symbols related to witchcraft

Day 6: Convent of San Marco/ Fra Angelico frescoes and Spiritual Significance
● Visit to the Fra Angelico Museum, dedicated to the works of the Renaissance painter Fra Angelico
● Analysis of Fra Angelico's religious art and spiritual symbolism
● Discussion on the intersection of mysticism, spirituality, and artistic expression
 

Day 7: Girolamo Savonarola, Bargello, and Contemporary Witchcraft
● Exploration of the life and influence of Girolamo Savonarola
● Visit to Piazza della Signoria, the site of Savonarola's execution
● Examination of the impact of Savonarola's ideas and the burning of the vanities
● Introduction to contemporary witchcraft practices in Florence
 

Day 8: Occult Store Shopping and contemporary spellcraft
● Exploration of occult stores to discover tools, books, and artifacts related to mysticism and witchcraft
● Discussion on the role of art and symbolism in contemporary occult practices

Day 9: Psychic Reading and Exploring Contemporary Witchcraft
● Meeting with an occult practitioner to gain insight into mystical experiences and divination practices
● Engagement with practitioners of contemporary witchcraft to understand their beliefs and rituals
● Reflection on the relevance and evolution of mysticism in the modern world

Day 10: Reflection, Final Discussions, and Course Conclusion
● Group reflection on the study abroad experience and the mysteries explored
● Final discussions on the significance and impact of alchemy, esotericism, and necromancy
● Course conclusion and evaluation


COVID-19 Disclaimer

Due to the unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 Pandemic we cannot guarantee travel or entrance into a destination or a program because of COVID-19 related delays and /or closures.  In addition, should travel occur outside of the United States or between States, we cannot guarantee re-entry with or without vaccine requirement and/or quarantine as determined by the intended destination and return location. Moravian University encourages travelers to comply with the COVID vaccine entry/exit requirements as detailed by their intended destination and/or program.  Please see the complete COVID-19 disclaimer here.