Insights
The Frescobaldi family’s dual passion for art and wine
How one family’s historic cultural capital helps them make sense of their ‘present’
The Frescobaldi family’s enduring passion for wine is matched only perhaps by its passion for art, according to Tiziana Frescobaldi, President of the Frescobaldi family holding. “As a family, we have always made sense of the world through art”, she said, speaking at wine tasting event hosted by Stonehage Fleming last week. “Being shown different perspectives has long been a way for us to understand our environment and the age we live in”.
Now in their 30th generation, the Frescobaldis have been producing wine in Tuscany since the beginning of the 14th century. Patrons of the arts since the Middle Ages, the family has commissioned many works of art throughout the centuries. Indeed, Stoldo Frescobaldi commissioned Filippo Brunelleschi to build the Basilica di Santo Spirito in Florence the 15th century.
Continuing the tradition of supporting artists today, the Frescobaldi family started the Artisti per Frescobaldi Contemporary Art prize in 2012. Three artists are selected from a shortlist of 15, explained Tiziana. “They are then invited to our estate at CastelGiocondo to spend some time to understand the family, the business, the environment… the soil. They then go back to the studio and set to work on a project inspired by what they have learned. Their work is then judged by a panel of three renowned Modern Art museum directors. Little by little we are growing the collection”, explained Tiziana.
As well as providing new cultural perspectives, the prize performs a second role for the Frescobaldis. “One of the main reasons for doing it was to link with our past”, said Tiziana. “We wanted to connect to our history, the days when the Florentine families were booming – the old days, when families like ours needed artists. We see it as a way of reviving this tradition”.
Tiziana Frescobaldi was speaking at a Wine Tasting and Conversation event hosted by Stonehage Fleming.
For Frescobaldi wines in the UK please contact the Great Wine Company.