In the heart of Oltrarno in Florence, in an ancient lemon house, is the studio of the artist Andrea Ricciardi di Gaudesi, the only master in Italy who combines the refined realism of his illustrations with workshops and meetings that tell the history of art, architecture and the Renaissance.

We are in one of the most fascinating areas of Florence, in an ancient rural building adjacent to the famous Serre Torrigiani and their wonderful romantic garden, still one of the most charming attractions of the city, of which the studio of Andrea Ricciardi di Gaudesi, a fine educated illustrator, preserves the bohemian charm.

A space characterized by exotic plants and windows reminiscent of those of nineteenth-century greenhouses from which slivers of light filter through, illuminating Andrea’s many works scattered here and there. It is difficult to think that they are drawings, such is the vivid realism and depth of perspective that distinguishes them.

Drawing is sincerity in art.

(Salvador Dalì)

Born in Milan, Andrea graduated in Graphic Arts at the Istituto Statale d’Arte in Florence in 1986 and subsequently attended the International School of Graphics “Il Bisonte”, following the illustration course directed by Leonardo Mattioli.

Over the years, as a passionate self-taught artist, he perfected himself in historical, architectural and naturalistic reconstructions in a non-fiction style, the only artist in Italy to specialize in illustrations completely handmade and supported by careful historical investigation work, in order to bring back to life not only the masterpieces of the past, but also how they were conceived and created.

Andrea’s works have been published in some of the most prestigious international guides and magazines, such as the Travel Guides of Dorling Kindersley of London, La grande Encyclopedié du Moyen age published by Casterman Paris, the Master of Art series on Michelangelo, Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, and The Impressionist by Peter Bedrick Books New York, in addition to having art directed the Great Cities series – Paris, New York, London, Venice by McRae Books of Florence.

Andrea has also exhibited in various exhibitions dedicated to the world of illustration, such as the Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF), and since 2018 he has been a professor of Fundamentals of illustration and Composition at the International School of Comics in Florence.

In front of Andrea’s mastery, one cannot help but be enchanted, watching him as he paints by hand every little detail of his works, through the use of liquid acrylic and a careful and delicate stratification given by glazes of color given by brush that recall the pleasant softness of watercolor.

The most complex historical reconstructions also require weeks of work, during which the definitive illustration takes shape through the superposition of various sketches to reach the incredible final result, an example of which is, in the photo below, the faithful account of how the Florence Cathedral was built, the techniques, and the uses and customs of the time.

Since 2025, Andrea, given the great demand, initially from his students and, then, by word of mouth, also from the many travelers from all over the world who come to Tuscany, also offers the possibility of booking visits and workshops (in Italian or English) in which the artist takes the visitor to discover his art, the history of Florence and its anecdotes through an original storytelling accompanied in the story by his images.

A unique narration, in which, in particular, the architectural and stylistic techniques with which the city and its main works of art were built are illustrated, entering into the heart of the secrets of one of the most fascinating periods in the history of humanity, the Renaissance.

A unique proposal in Italy that combines art, history and the legendary atmospheres of the Grand Tour.

The Secret

It is interesting to discover how even a typical Florentine dish, “il peposo alla fornacina”, is linked to Filippo Brunelleschi and the construction of the beloved Dome of the Cathedral. In fact, to prevent his workers from hanging about in taverns, the master had that typical dish prepared by the “fornacini” (forno is oven in Italian) masters in the ovens, which were also used to cook the terracotta bricks for the dome, so spicy that it could last for days on the building site and feed the workers.

Useful Info

Officina in Arte di Andrea Ricciardi di Gaudesi
Via dei Serragli 148
50124 Firenze
Tel. +39 348 0455378
antheosdigaudesi@gmail.com

Officina in Arte Experience: visit and narration of the history of Florence through various works of the master 60 euros (max 4 people) for a duration of about 45 minutes, the price, on request, may vary for larger groups

Workshops and professional courses, also one-to-one: quotation on request