The free event “Calza a pennello! Moroni e la Moda” is part of the series of events organised by ValSeriana and Val di Scalve "Moroni 500", a year full of events and initiatives dedicated to exploring the Moroni anniversary from every perspective.

On the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the birth of Giovan Battista Moroni (1521–2021), the organising committee – the Municipality of Albino and PromoSerio ValSeriana and Val di Scalve – launched an important collaboration with Fondazione Lisio focused on the study of textiles and the history of fashion.

As part of the programme of diverse and engaging events, the evening of 24 July is dedicated to a conversation between experts on topics related to fashion, textiles, reconstructions, and accessories in the works of Giovan Battista Moroni.

For from this, I believe, much of grace derives

With an exemplary phrase, Baldassarre Castiglione, in Il Cortegiano (The Book of the Courtier), defines fashion and the proper way of dressing as that from which “much of grace derives”.

But what did this mean in Castiglione’s time and, above all, what does “grace” mean today? Are there points of connection between sixteenth-century fashion and contemporary fashion? Or, how can we understand the daily life of an era through the reading and interpretation of garments in a portrait?

In this conversation, organised by Fondazione Lisio in collaboration with Promoserio, some of the Foundation’s lecturers will discuss Moroni’s works with the aim of shedding light on curious and intriguing aspects of sixteenth-century clothing, while also highlighting connections with the present day.

In particular, it will be shown how the reconstruction process (garments, accessories, textiles) is not an end in itself, but rather an investigative tool and a method of primary importance.