A SILVER RENAISSANCE IN ITALY
Malleable, shining, fascinating, silver has always captured the attention of man. Such an ancient mineral but with a modern look, over seven thousand years since its discovery, Silver has always met great admirers along its way. The numerous mines located in various parts of the world, have created a large supply of Silver over time; this has led to a lowering of its value compared to Gold. Its multiple qualities together with the low cost have therefore given it an advantage in being nominated as the preferred material by goldsmiths. During the Renaissance Pollaiolo and Verrocchio created some of their masterpieces with silver. It is necessary to mention the magnificent SILVER ALTAR OF SAN GIOVANNI 1367- 1438 (preserved in the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo in Florence) The economic power of the Florentine community of the time, is expressed through this work; for its realization it took twenty decades, two hundred kilos of silver and one thousand and fifty enamelled silver plaques. During the century necessary for the completion of the work, the most famous sculptors and goldsmiths have come and gone. The large Silver Cross placed above the altar is the work of Antonio del Pollaiolo and his assistants. The altar is made up of twelve silver tiles,the last one representing the Beheading of the Baptist is the work of Andrea del Verrocchio; however the experts indicate a clear intervention by his pupil Leonardo da Vinci in the realization of perspective and emotional drama. Thanks to a long restoration that lasted six years, it is possible to admire this great Renaissance work in all its splendour.
OUT OF ITALY LOOKING FOR SILVER TREASURES
Between the 15th and 17th centuries the Renaissance and Mannerist styles developed in parallel, spreading in Northern Europe.
In England during the reign of Henry VIII, the master goldsmiths created elaborate silver artifacts for the court; characterized by the refinement of the forms rich in balance between vertical and horizontal planes. Despite the elaborate engravings and the sumptuousness of the object,this retained the function for which it was designed; on the contrary, this concept dissolves in Mannerist artifacts . The twisting of the classic rules, combined with philosophical and esoteric references that are not always easy to understand, they are the standard of the artists of Mannerism. Everything is taken to the extreme with great virtuosity thanks to new engraving techniques,in this period the skill of the engravers will reach levels never equaled.
In every part of the world, the economic comfort of the classes was important in stoking and spurring the creativity of the artists. When certain pieces are auctioned off, I can't help but think of the beauty that these objects convey, to the patience and talent in shaping the Silver that those skilled and delicate hands reserved for him.
THE SILVER MIRRORS IN FIORUCCI'S MILAN
It was the year nineteen sixty-seven and Milan would change forever. Two innovators of the way of experiencing space and objects shaped the democratic revolution of fashion. Amalia Del Ponte, a very talented sculptor and Elio Fiorucci, son of shoe artisans, they created an explosive mixer; the shop in Galleria Passarella.
The shop is completely emptied of all frills, reduced to the skeleton and then magically take on new features. Amalia builds it like the shapes she loves, it dresses it in a chameleon-like simplicity ready for continuous transformation; the beautiful mirrors in front of the floor cuts reflect silver images. Everything is white except for the beautiful cornflower-colored staircase, an iron sculpture that connects everything. For Elio Fiorucci this is not just a shop,it is the place to materialize his ideas; his creative vision of fashion and how to live it finally takes shape. Elio colors this world and young people find answers to their restlessness. That amazing place,a paradise on earth where to buy a dream; the freedom to wear creative and visionary objects from all over the world. From all his travels he returns full of beauty; bracelets,extravagant rings and unusual necklaces that, even if made of silver, shine in a thousand colors. I jeans sbiancati,colorful T-shirts and straw bags with unusual shapes form the shop's colorful lawn. This is the Milan much loved by Elio Fiorucci who gave young people a magical place, where to meet every Saturday for the pilgrimage ritual in Galleria Passarella.
It didn't matter if the kids arrived in San Babila by subway or got out of the car with the driver, everyone had joy and happiness in their eyes. Anyone who lived through that period remembers it well and tells me an unrepeatable Milanese story, sweet and poignant memories in a particular moment for the city; where all this would forever lift the fog of classicism to change the tastes and behaviors of Milan.
