Forci Art Foundation Launches Residencies in Tuscan Villa
The Forci Art Foundation, established by Melanie van Ogtrop and Nina, has initiated an artist residency program at Tenuta di Forci, located near Lucca, Tuscany. This expansive 360-hectare estate was acquired by the van Ogtrop family in late 2021. Originally constructed in the 14th century for the Buonvisi family, it underwent renovations in the 16th century by Vincenzo Civitali, evolving into a cultural hub. Count Vincenzo Giustiniani bought the property in 1917, later transferring it to Baroness Diamantina Scola Camerini before the van Ogtrops took ownership. Launched in 2023, the residency focuses on sustainability, with plans for a permanent exhibition space and a sculpture garden set for 2026.
Key facts
- Forci Art Foundation launched artist residencies at Tenuta di Forci near Lucca.
- Estate acquired by van Ogtrop family in late 2021.
- Property covers 360 hectares with over twenty farmhouses.
- Villa built in 14th century by Buonvisi family as hunting residence.
- Buonvisi were bankers to Henry VIII and the Tudors.
- Villa remodeled in Renaissance style by Vincenzo Civitali in 16th century.
- Literary salon hosted by Buonvisi documented by Ortensio Lando in 1532.
- Michel de Montaigne visited the estate.
- Georg Christoph Martini described silk dyeing and flower distillation in 1714.
- Francesco Antonio Cecchi frescoed the villa's salon with rural themes.
- Count Vincenzo Giustiniani purchased estate in 1917, revived it.
- Giustiniani was an art collector linked to Macchiaioli.
- Baroness Diamantina Scola Camerini sold estate to van Ogtrops.
- Robert-Jan van Ogtrop founded Circle Economy.
- Melanie van Ogtrop founded Circle Galerie in Amsterdam in 2008.
- Architectural restoration by Studio Pierattelli since 2022.
- Oratory by Domenico Martinelli restored.
- Farmhouses sold with renovation oversight by Michaelis Boyd.
- 2023 residents: Vincent Mock, Clementine Robertson, Rogier Houwen.
- 2024 residents: Felix Reiterer, Ellis Holman, Matilde Sambo.
- Exhibition Intertwined Realties in late July 2024.
- Permanent exhibition space planned for 2026.
- Sculpture garden planned.
Entities
Artists
- Vincent Mock
- Clementine Robertson
- Rogier Houwen
- Felix Reiterer
- Ellis Holman
- Matilde Sambo
- Ortensio Lando
- Michel de Montaigne
- Georg Christoph Martini
- Francesco Antonio Cecchi
- Vincenzo Civitali
- Domenico Martinelli
- Vincenzo Giustiniani
- Melanie van Ogtrop
- Robert-Jan van Ogtrop
- Nina van Ogtrop
- Baroness Diamantina Scola Camerini
Institutions
- Forci Art Foundation
- Circle Galerie
- Circle Economy
- Studio Pierattelli
- Michaelis Boyd
- Buonvisi family
- Tudor dynasty
- Macchiaioli
Locations
- Tenuta di Forci
- Lucca
- Tuscany
- Italy
- Pieve Santo Stefano
- Amsterdam
- Netherlands
- London
- United Kingdom