A GREAT BOOK OF BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOS FROM THE 1966 RIVER ARNO FLOOD THAT DEVASTATED FLORENCE AND ITS ART COLLECTIONS
The volunteers who flocked to Florence to help with the salvaging, then drying, then restoration of art treasures were known as the Mud Angels.
They formed human chains to pass crumpled, waterlogged books from one hand to the next until they made it to a safe and dry facility for the long process of drying, cleaning, restoring.
The late Senator Robert Kennedy was a Mud Angel and, in this brilliant book, wrote of his eperience:
"I will never forget my trip to Florence forty years ago after the Arno River flooded its banks and overwhelmed the people of Florence. As tragic and devastating as the conditioners were, I was impressed to see so many people, especially young people, from across Italy and around the world, who came together to save the priceless and irreplaceable cultural treasures of Florence."
"Along with the pungent gas lamps, it was hope and commitment that illuminated the faces of the Mud Angels, even as they stood amidst overwhelmingly muddy destruction," the statesman from Massachusetts recalled. "The rescue and restoration began immediately. It was an extraordinary effort that inspired the world and remains today a noble example of triumph in the face of daunting adversity."
Cimabue's artistic crucifix, displayed in Basilica Santa Croce since 1288, was nearly destroyed by the floods.
Nearly two thirds of its paint was washed away.
Now partially restored (see photo above), Cimabue's influential crucifix is on display in the Museo dell' Opera of the Santa Croce.
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