On this episode of the Italian American Podcast, host Patrick O’Boyle convenes a distinguished panel at the Italian Cultural Institute in New York to explore the often-overlooked world of Neapolitan Renaissance art. Claudio, the Institute’s director, outlines its mission to promote Italian culture across New York, Boston, and Philadelphia, strengthening ties between Italy and the Italian American community. Patrick shares the story of restoring forgotten masterpieces in Buccino, Salerno—an initiative sparked by an unexpected American connection and dedicated to reviving sacred works of art.

The discussion turns to innovation in preservation. Ivan describes how virtual reality and artificial intelligence are expanding access to cultural heritage, including the creation of digital twins of the Annunciation statues damaged in the 1980 Irpinia earthquake. These tools allow audiences to follow the restoration process step by step, illustrating how collaboration between Italian and American institutions can protect historic treasures.

Art historian Danielle Oteri offers a perspective on the Neapolitan Renaissance’s neglected legacy, recalling how aristocratic patrons once commissioned major works for rural churches, bringing artistic excellence to everyday communities. Reflecting on emigration, loss, and renewal, the episode underscores how the Italian diaspora can help restore ancestral towns, making the past not only remembered but rebuilt.

 

LOCATION: Italian Cultural Institute, 686 Park Avenue, New York, NY.

 

THEIR SOCIALS:

Antonio Vincente Amendola

Instagram: @antoniovicenteamendola

 

Danielle Oteri

Her Website: https://www.feasttravel.com/

Instagram: @danielleoteri_italy

Youtube:  @danielle-oteri 

 

HOSTS:

Patrick O’Boyle

Danielle Oteri

 

SPECIAL GUESTS:

Antonio Vincente Amdenola

Claudio Pagliara

Ivan Allevi

 

PRODUCED BY: Nicholas Calvello-Macchia