Botticelli Antichità

Active since: 1960
Areas of interest: Furniture, objects and sculpture of the early modern era; today, primarily Italian sculpture and art from the Middle Ages to the 19th century

Botticelli Antichità was established in 1960 by Franco and Veria Botticelli, who from the start specialised in furniture, objects and sculpture from the early modern period. Located in Via Maggio, the gallery has always had a close connection with the various shops and vendors which define the neighbourhood. As antique dealers for two generations in this unique part of Florence, the Botticelli family has been in touch with the world of restoration experts, artisans and artists, who since the beginning of the 20th century have created a special cultural fabric. Still today this milieu is extremely vital, characterised by encounters with scholars and collectors from all over the world who have always been attracted to the city’s ‘cultural creativity’. Today the business is in the hands of their children Bruno and Eleonora, who mostly deal in sculpture and decorative objects from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, in addition to curating some of the most prestigious art collections in Italy. Since 1961, the family has participated in the Florence International Antiques Fair (BIAF), held today at Palazzo Corsini, while more recently they have taken part in TEFAF/ Maastricht and other international events. For the last year Bruno has headed the Italian Antiquarians Association (AAI); he is also active in organising BIAF in his role as member of the executive board. In this regard he is especially interested in connecting the prestigious fair with other cultural events in the city. Eleonora is a founding member of the AVM; for the last few years she has also been involved in transforming the family home – where Elizabeth Barret and Robert Browning once lived – into a period residence that offers guests the possibility of staying at a ‘gallery/home’, where each suite is decorated with original artworks.