S T Y L E & D E S I G N
Art Meets Fashion
Behind the racks at MaxMara's new Florence boutique, 16th century frescoes are uncovered
By Melia Marden
Monday, February 9, 2004
High-end luxury stores like Gucci and Ferragamo line Florence's
ritzy Via Tornabuoni, but one addition boasts more than the
latest spring fashions. Renovations for the new MaxMara boutique,
housed in the 15th century Palazzo Corsi, uncovered a series of
elaborate frescoes dating to the 1590s. They are believed to be
the creation of well-known 16th century artist Agostino
Ciampelli, who worked for the powerful Medici family. MaxMara has
also maintained decorations from the 19th century as well as the
original bookshelves from the famous bookstore that had occupied
the building for more than 100 years.
Hidden for decades by layers of paint, the frescoes have been
relatively well preserved and are being restored by an expert
team. Andrea Fedeli, head of the restoration project, is relaxed
about the unusual situation. "I've found frescoes unexpectedly
before," he says. "When we look under layers of paint, there's
always something there."
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His life and death recalled in images
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