Women of the Renaissance Inspire Us Today, Says Author Carla Gambescia

Carla Gambescia

By Nancy DeSanti

To celebrate Women’s History Month in March, the National Organization of Italian-American Women (NOIAW) invited author Carla Gambescia to talk about how the women of today have been influenced by the Renaissance women with an “indomitable spirit.” Carla has written a book, “La Dolce Vita University,” which is a light-hearted yet educational series of mini-essays on various aspects of Italian culture, history, art and much more. Carla, whose father’s family is from Sulmona, in Abruzzo, has traveled to all parts of Italy either hiking or bicycling.

Carla explained how the Renaissance was in many ways a turning point for women, with the rise of humanism and a flourishing of art and culture. She mentioned Boticelli’s famous painting, “The Birth of Venus” and she told us that the model for Venus was his muse, the beautiful Simonetta Vespucci, who was the cousin-inlaw of the explorer Amerigo Vespucci, after whom America was named. She thus became one of the most famous women in the history of art. Boticelli asked to be buried at the feet of Simonetta, who died at the age of 23. Another inspiring woman was Margarita Luti, who was Raphael’s muse and probably modeled for many of the hundreds of his drawings that survive.

She inspired him throughout his amazing artistic career, which ended when he died on Good Friday at the age of 37. Yet another muse for a famous artist was Vittoria Colanna, who was the muse of Michelangelo. A celebrated poet, she influenced his ideas about religion, patronized his work, and served as one of his closest confidantes. She was the Marchessa of Pescara in Abruzzo, a great poet and a friend to many of the educated and cultured people of her time. And she was one of only a few people who had access to the Sistine Chapel during the nine years when Michelangelo was working there.

Carla told of a few more of these amazing women, such as Isabella d’Este, an early fashionista who was the Jackie Onassis of her day. This glamorous fashion icon was known for her plunging necklines, furs and jewels. Not to be outdone, Caterina de Medici, who married the King of France, moved to Paris where she brought her own perfumes and was the first to wear high heels. Not only that, but she introduced the knife and fork, as well as the use of herbs and spices in cooking to make food more flavorful.

Her fame as a culinary innovator is such that the Culinary Art Institute in New York named its restaurant after her. And last but certainly not least, Carla mentioned Artemisia Gentileschi, the best-known woman artist of her time who overcame many trials and tribulations before gaining respect for her artistic work. She is quoted as saying, “I have the spirit of Caesar and the soul of a woman.” Many thanks to Diana Femia for organizing this wonderful event for Women’s History Month. Carla makes her home in New York State and travels extensively.

She plans to come here early next year to give a talk to AMHS members and guests. Carla said her program will be “Italian Cultural Trivial Challenges,” and she promises it will be fun and interactive. So stay tuned!! ❚