If you enjoyed Douglas “Duccio” Erwing’s wildly popular lecture A Stroll through the Uffizi, you’ll love his upcoming Must-See Sculptures in Florence!

Join us at the Italian Cultural & Community Center on Monday, November 13 at 7:00 p.m. for a talk by the always entertaining Douglas “Duccio” Erwing on the sculptures of Orsanmichele and Piazza della Signoria. Be prepared to learn and to laugh as we take a virtual passeggiata through the streets of Florence.

Chiseled by some of the greatest artists in history—Donatello, di Banco, Michelangelo, Ghiberti, Verrochio, Giambologna, and Cellini—the sculptures of Florence’s public spaces are a must-see for anyone traveling to the birthplace of the Renaissance, but they’re often overlooked or misunderstood. We will give them their due, explain the stories behind them, and understand the ways in which they reflected and shaped Florentine political and cultural traditions. The talk will be grounded in academic literature and art appreciation, but Erwing avoids getting bogged down with academic jargon.

For some, this is the beginning of a love affair with Italian culture, including wine, food, and a vacation to Tuscany. For those who have traveled to Florence and seen these sculptures in the marble flesh, this is a deeper dive into the artworks.

A bout the presenter

Douglas Erwing practiced real estate law. He owned and operated title insurance companies for 25 years and spent the last 13 of those years also teaching at the University of Houston (UH) Honors College. He taught a variety of subjects, including surveys of American history, law-related classes on the Constitution, early American legal history, and civil rights in America. Erwing was a Mellon Fellow. He has a J.D. and Ph.D. in Early American Legal History.

During the past seven years, Erwing was a full-time instructor at the Honors College. In addition to teaching, he was also the Director of the Bonner Leaders Program, a leadership program focused on fighting poverty in a number of communities in Houston. Erwing has won a number of awards for teaching and service. Erwing’s passion outside of early American history is Italian Renaissance art. He has co-led trips to Florence from the Honors College. On these trips, he guides walks through art galleries and talks to students, alumni, and international visitors.

“A visit with me in Florence is one of the recommended stops for UH Honors students travelling to Europe,” Erwing said. “My wife and I can be found a few months out of the year in Florence on art scavenger hunts, giving tours, and adding to our knowledge of art, architecture, food, and wine.”

Date: Monday, November 13, 2023

Time: 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Price: $10 ICCC Members | $15 General Admission

By purchasing a ticket to this event, you acknowledge the following: I understand that I am holding a spot so reservations for this event are nonrefundable. If I am unable to attend, I understand that I can transfer to a friend.

Click here to become a member of the Italian Cultural & Community Center of Houston.