Andiamo agli Uffizi!

We finally had our first visit to the Uffizi. While I could have gone a while back, Urie's swim schedule keeps us pretty busy. However, the first of many visits (I am sure) took place on Thursday.

The collection of art on display (which is a minute percentage of what was amassed by the Medici and others) is interesting and includes Greek and Roman classic pieces (statues, friezes), a lot of Italian Renaissance paintings and other objets d'art.

Outside, Waiting for Prof. Baldoni

Inside Corridor

Le Amiche

Due Studentesse

Fra Filippo Lippi

 Fra Filippo Lippi's painting of the Madonna and Child is interesting in several ways.Lippi, as his "Fra" title indicates, was a friar, who fell in love with a nun (the model for Mary in this painting--Lucrezia Butti). Notice that Mary is not dressed in typical jewish garb (simlah or ketoneth) but rather has a dress and veil that are more in line with Florentine fashion cerca 1450s. The painting is dated 1465 and belonged to the Medici family. It's one of Lippi's better known works, painted soon before his death. The angel (dressed in white) is presumably a representation of his son Filippino (a future painter) who was born of the union of friar and nun.

The portrait was inspired by Flemish schools in its depiction of an open window and background scenery, but the choice of colors is completely Lippi's and a bit avant-gardiste for the paintings of the time. Of particular interest: the facial features: skin, eyes, etc, that will be picked up by Botticelli (Lippi's student), better known by all nowadays (though it wasn't so when he was alive). We are to see La Primavera during our next visit.

Some of the students in Renaissance Art History class presented information about certain paintings, and we are all the better for it!

Venusa Pudica

This statue of the modest Venus will inspire other works (again, Botticelli's Venus in one of his most famous painting. (Will post pictures at a later date.) The Medici were quite proud of their collection (mostly Lorenzo the Magnificent--who was known for poetry writing and a keen interest in Asian porcelain) and who had a stanza prepared for his best work. The room with the red velvet walls incorporates the four elements of nature. The ceiling, which starts at the base of the dome and is barely visible here--look for the polka dots, top of the picture--is, in reality, covered in mother-of-pearl shell shapes to remind the guests of the palazzo of water. The Venus is this room was a particularly prized statue that Lorenzo brought to his collection.

One of the "Special Rooms"

Taking a Break while Listening to the "Whispers."

Flemish Painting

Italian "Flemish-inspired" Painting

Some major differences in Flemish and Italian paintings: the frames (much more somber and devoid of fioritures than the Italian counterpart). The Flemish model seems imprisoned by the frame while the Italian model is given more room to breathe (both at the top and sides of the man). I still contend that Flemish painters were masters of their art and should not be judged in comparison to another style. (I still love my excursions to Rubens house in Antwerp with Daph. Miss you, my museum daughter!)

View of the Duomo from the Fourth Floor of the Uffizi

I've pretty much repeated information we received from Luca and the students (Kerry, Alex, Jillian and Lexi), or information gleaned while watching an inordinate amounts of documentary on Italian painters with Urie. (We've moved on to Napoleon, having depleted our Italian collection. Suggestions welcomed!)

Next post: Marrakech!