Women in the shadows and women who speak out. Holy women and pilgrim women. Women in art and women who have suffered violence. These are the “Women of Francesca”, ignored or underestimated by a superficial male narrative, whom Francesca Allegri has restored to the dignity of history through constant, meticulous and rigorous research. The evening event “Francesca’s Women” has been organised to pay tribute to her commitment and will take place at the “Vallesiana” Municipal Library on Friday 6 March at 5:00 p.m.
The initiative, promoted by the Municipality of Castelfiorentino in collaboration with Auser and the Valdelsa Historical Society, is an all-round review of the extensive scientific work of Francesca Allegri, teacher and writer, who also held the position of director of the Casa del Boccaccio Library.
At the evening event, after greetings from Franco Spina (Councillor for Culture of the Municipality of Castelfiorentino), Sabina Spannocchi (President of the Valdelsa Historical Society) will give a talk focusing on “the work of Francesca Allegri: a journey to discover female shadows in backlighting”. This will be followed by two valuable testimonials from Daniela Casagli and Anna Gloria Giani. Micol Carmignani, from the “Carmignani” publishing house’s “scrivere donna” series, is also expected to participate in the initiative.
“Francesca Allegri”, emphasises the Councillor for Culture, Franco Spina, “not only had the great merit of bringing to the attention of historiography the value of many women who have played a significant role in the history of humankind from antiquity to the present day, but also of being able to spread their message to a wide audience through a language that is both pleasant and concise, essential. These women remained in the shadows for too long, but thanks to Francesca, we can now learn about them, appreciate them and spread their message for the benefit of new generations.”
Among Francesca Allegri’s numerous publications on the subject of women, the following are particularly noteworthy: Donne e pellegrine, dall’antichità al medioevo (Women and Pilgrims, from Antiquity to the Middle Ages), (Milan, 2012). The editing and translation of the first Italian version of Asia Minore e Siria (Asia Minor and Syria) by Cristina Trivulzio di Belgioioso (Carmignani Editrice, 2014). Also for Carmignani Editrice, she published Fuori dall’ombra. Women in the background of Great History and the following year Voices from Silence. The memory of great women in the shadow of men of the past; in 2021 Saints: the first free women; in 2022 Dante: muses and readers. Latest posthumous work: Misogyny between the lines: Violence against women in the history of literature.