To Florence Con Amore

Artemisia Gentileschi's Judith Slaying Holofernes, Uffizi Gallery (the only well-known female artist of the 17th c.)

Artemisia Gentileschi's David and Bathsheba, recently restored with the help of Jane Fortune's committee.

The beautiful book, To Florence Con Amore by Jane Fortune

Last night I had the priviledge of going to a book signing of an American author, Jane Fortune. She came here in the 60s as a study abroad student, fell in love with Florence the moment she stepped off the train, and has returned every year since. Her book, To Florence Con Amore: 77 Ways to Love the City, is filled with hidden treasures, cultural gems, and places that soothe the soul. One of my roommates and I walked into the packed little bookshop, Paperback Exchange, not knowing what to expect from the author. We were about 20 years junior to even the youngest person in the room. But I was determined to hear her speak about Florence and the ways that she loves on the city. We stood in the back, pushed up against the travel section of paperbacks, listening to the many accomplishments she has given to the city and her long love affair with all things Florentine.

I stood in awe as I soon learned that she is an advocate for women in the arts and has founded a committee dedicated to restoring and uncovering over 500 Renaissance paintings by women stored away in the deposits of Florentine museums. Her dream for Florence is to open a museum dedicated to these women lost over centuries of no credit.

When she spoke of her first moment in Florence, when she stepped off the train and felt like she had come home, I started tearing up. In that moment, I too, felt Florence as my home. It will always be my home. A place I feel at ease in. The intricate web of streets that are like the veins in my hand. The bells that I hear from my apartment window every 15 minutes are the only reminder of time that I need in this city that is more like a step in the past than it is a functioning, modern city. Florence. Firenze. Ti Amo.

After her short speech and Q&A time I approached her, along with other eager guests holding their copies of her book. Only I did not have a copy. I was more interested in hearing about her committee and what they are doing in the city. Maddie and I told her we were also study abroad students; she warmed right up to us. I asked her about internship possibilities and the future she sees for the committee. We chatted for a while, exchanged emails, she gave us warm wishes for our last month here, then we left her with her line of fans.

As we were leaving a bit later (we stopped to get a glass of wine and a few snacks) she came up to us from behind and said, "I'd like to give you both copies of my book." We were shocked. Of course, my first response was, "Oh no!" But she insisted. She signed them and told the also shocked lady at the counter not to worry. We had to get out of there, fast, both of us started to tear up, a second time for me that night. As we were walking down the deserted street we couldn't believe her generosity. As much as I wanted her book, I wasn't about to shell out 20 euro for it, and she gave us each our own copy! It was a gift I will cherish forever. A memory that I will never forget.

There was something about that evening. That moment we shared with a fellow study abroad student from 40 years ago. We had something in common. A love for a city that in unchanging, yet always changing. To Florence. Con Amore.