|
The
Galileian spy-glass, or, to use the Lincei's term, telescope, appeared
as an extraordinarily powerful instrument in the atmosphere of intense
inquiry and innovation of the seventeenth century. Extending the sense
of sight, the instrument met with great success and swiftly became a
collector's item, enriching the Medici collection housed in the Uffizi
and the Palazzo Pitti.
The exhibition is dedicated to this Medici sky, opened up by Galileo,
explored by seventeenth century optics and today revisited by Margherita
Abbozzo. I would like to thank my colleagues at the Istituto e Museo:
secretaries, guards, library staff, restorers and personnel who have
shared, upheld and made possible this project. Particular thanks to
Giorgio Strano who, with his usual skill and helpfulness, has produced
these texts and aided in planning the exhibition.
|
