Thesis Title: Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici and Dynastic Identity: A multi-faceted inheritance that inspired the preservation of Florence’s artistic past for its citizens
Supervisors: Dr Jonathan Spangler and Professor Catherine Fletcher
My research explores the role of Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici in shaping the preservation and display of the Medici art collection during the 18th century. I examine how her efforts to safeguard Florence’s artistic heritage aligned with Enlightenment ideals and transformed private collections into early public museums. By analyzing archival documents from the Florence State Archive, my work contextualizes the Medici approach to cultural stewardship in relation to other European dynastic collections, including those of the Farnese and Della Rovere families. My project contributes to the broader discussion of proto-museums, civic identity, and the role of women in cultural heritage preservation.