Ep. 12: From Frescoes to Filters: Renaissance Florence's Beauty Obsessions

Ep. 12: From Frescoes to Filters: Renaissance Florence's Beauty Obsessions

Author: Danielle Oteri January 17, 2025 Duration: 28:07

Note for subscribers: Our monthly Zoom is on January 21st at 8 pm ET and the link is the Tante Belle Cose community. If you can’t make it, email me your question. I’ll answer it live and share the recording the next day.

Florence is experiencing some of the world’s worst over-tourism, with wine windows and big sandwiches overshadowing the best reason to go there: art. In this episode, I hope to inspire you to step into the world of the Renaissance by introducing you to the Tornabuoni family. They were the second wealthiest family in Florence, next to the Medici, and their lives can be easily compared to those of the billionaire class of New York City or Silicon Valley.

In particular, you’ll meet 14-year-old Ludovica Tornabuoni and learn how she would have used horse urine to dye her blonde hair and the toxic herb belladonna to dilate her pupils, conforming to the beauty standards of her day.

This deep dive into the Renaissance offers a few solutions to Florence's toxic tourism. We can play a vital role in preserving Florence's cultural legacy by shifting focus from fleeting social media trends to the city's enduring artisanal traditions—be it leather crafting, paper marbling, or art restoration. If you think you’re not an “art or museum person,” give this a listen, and let me know if I’ve changed your mind in the comments.

00:38 Falling in Love with Florence

00:57 The Art of Florence

01:49 Experiencing Art in Its Original Setting

02:45 Overtourism in Florence

04:43 A Different Perspective on Florence

04:59 Exploring Santa Maria Novella

08:18 The Tornabuoni Chapel

18:18 Beauty Ideals in Renaissance Florence

24:14 Florentine Artisan Heritage

27:28 Conclusion and Subscriber Community



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.danielleoteri.com/subscribe

There’s a certain magic to traveling in Italy that goes beyond checking sights off a list-it’s in the texture of daily life, a shared meal, or a story passed down through generations. Tante Belle Cose captures that feeling. Hosted by Danielle Oteri, founder of Feast Travel, this podcast feels like a series of deep, rewarding conversations with a friend who truly knows the place. You’ll hear immersive narratives that transport you to a sun-drenched piazza or a quiet vineyard, alongside genuinely practical advice for navigating the nuances of Italian culture, food, and history. The episodes are thoughtfully crafted; some serve as a guide to planning your journey, while others simply pull you into the rich tapestry of Italian life, planting seeds for future adventures. Danielle’s expertise as a guide and storyteller makes each listen both an escape and a toolkit. Tuning into this podcast is more than just research-it’s an invitation to appreciate the many beautiful details, the *tante belle cose*, that make Italy so captivating. For those who dive deeper, there’s also access to a dedicated travel community moderated by Danielle, offering continued connection and insight beyond the audio.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Danielle Oteri's Italy
Podcast Episodes
Ep. 43: When to Go To Italy and Where to Go in 2027 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:20
Intense, I would say unbearable, summer heat is the new normal in Italy, and it changes how you should be planning a trip. This episode covers when to actually go (spring over fall, with one exception), what to do if sum…
Ep. 42: The Fake (Maybe) at the Met [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:13
A quick note for paid subscribers: the August Ask Me Anything About Italy will take place on August 13th at 8 pm ET. This month’s Destination Deep Dive will cover Baia, Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Oplontis — the ancient Ro…
Voice Note: Summer Update from Italy and Special Announcement [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:50
I recorded this voice note from Borgo La Pietraia, where I’m currently recovering and preparing for a busy travel schedule in the days ahead. Now, as I prepare to hit send, I’m sitting with Arianna, my business partner,…
Ep. 41: Sirens, Shipwrecks, and the Real Ulysses Coast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:51
This month Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey hits IMAX, giving me the perfect excuse to talk about where the epic actually happened. Consider it the earliest travelogue of southern Italy, tracking a the journey from Circe’s mo…
Ep. 40: What To Pack For Your Italy Trip [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:57
Packing reliably stresses people out, and almost always, people pack more than they need. Less is more, plus you can buy anything you need in Italy, so don’t worry. Ideally, you need just a four-wheeled suitcase and a ca…
Ep. 39: Why So Many 5 Star Hotels in Italy Were Once Monasteries [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:08
There’s a hotel in Naples that’s perfect for the night before a flight. In fact, all the United pilots and flight attendants stay there. The hotel is pretty standard and part of a chain, but the building itself is the on…
Ep. 38: How to Plan Multigenerational Travel to Italy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:25
Are you thinking about a trip to Italy and need help getting started or refining your plan? Book a one-hour consultation, my specialty, and let me help you ensure it’s the best trip possible.Among my favorite trips to pl…
Ep. 37: The Secret of Florence's Dome [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:42
Every day, every single tour guide in Florence tells thousands of tourists a story that is not true. It’s the story of the construction of the dome, a feat of engineering so ingenious that even today, architects and engi…
Ep. 36: The Loss of the Picturesque [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:36
If you enjoyed this essay episode, you can subscribe for more at danielleoteri.com. If you’re planning a trip to Italy and would like some expert guidance, book a trip consultation at danielleoteri-italy.com. Lastly, you…