Splendor of Florence in Florence

In November, 2006, the City of Florence invited Splendor of Florence to bring the David Lees for Life: Triumph from Tragedy exhibit – a highlight of the SOF Festival in New York City in 2004 --to Florence on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the flood which devastated the city and its magnificent art.  The exhibit opened on November 4th 2006 in the magnificent Sala d’Arme in Palazzo Vecchio and was the highlight of the city-wide commemoration.

David Lees for Life - New York City, 2004

“The focus of Splendor of Florence has always been on the unparalleled artistic and cultural achievements for which the city of Florence is famous.  However, when Splendor of Florence was invited to New York City as part of the city-wide effort to revitalize Lower Manhattan after September 11th, we felt that it was also important to include an exhibit which demonstrated the solidarity of the Florentines, partly because of their own experience with a tragedy.

The destruction and emotional impact caused by the flood of 1966 was documented by many, but the late photographer David Lees captured not only the devastation but also the spirit of the people as they worked together to salvage and restore the precious artworks of the city.  His photographs for LIFE Magazine became the window through which the world outside Florence experienced the flood.

David Lees for Life:  Triumph from Tragedy opened at the World Financial Center as part of Splendor of Florence on September 30, 2004 – and the message was clear:  After catastrophic events such as the flood of 1966 and the attack on September 11th, people instinctively bond together to offer support and to ensure that life goes on." 

Joyce Acciaioli Rudge
Founder/Curator
Splendor of Florence