December 2nd, 2015 - An exceptional career spent studying the Italian Renaissance: Professor Jaynie Anderson received the insignia of Officer of the Order of the Star of Italy by the Italian Consul General in Melbourne, Marco Maria Cerbo. Anderson, one of the most respected art historians in Australia, counts among her research with the greatest impact those on the masterpieces by Titian and Giorgione. Her findings at the State Archive of Venice considerably enriched our knowledge many important figures of the Renaissance period. The award service took place in an evening celebration at the University of Melbourne in the presence of numerous representatives from academia. The Consul General praised Professor Anderson’s passion for Italy, her constant commitment to the dissemination of the knowledge of Italian, which resulted in two major exhibitions in Australia, one dedicated to the graphic genius of Piranesi and another, a few years ago, which allowed to expose the masterpieces preserved in the Accademia Carrara in Bergamo. (Red)

THE ORDER OF THE STAR OF ITALY

The Order of the Star of Italy (Ordine della Stella d’Italia) was established by Law 13 of 3 February 2011 (OJ 49 of 1.03.2011) which updated the name, purpose and classes of the Star of Italian Solidarity. The new name "Order of the Star of Italy" responds to changes that occurred since World War II, when the Order was first established to give recognition to Italians abroad or foreigners who had assisted in the reconstruction of Italy. The award is granted by the President of the Republic, on the proposal of Minister of Foreign Affairs, after consulting the Order’s Council. Chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Council is composed of four members, one of whom is the head of the Diplomatic Cerimonial of the Republic. The changes introduced by the new law want to reward those who acquired special merits in the promotion of relations of friendship and cooperation between Italy and other countries and in the promotion of ties with Italy. The new law creates two new classes; and the Order is now divided into five classes: Cavaliere di Gran Croce; - Grand’Ufficiale; Commendatore; Ufficiale; and Cavaliere. A special class of the Gran Croce d’Onore was established to commemorate those who lost their lives or suffered serious physical impairments in activities of high humanitarian value abroad.