Italian Artworks of Florence, the Uffizi Collection

Italian art has been long loved and appreciated around the world. The works of Italian artists span thousands of years, and Florence often served at times as the epicenter of the art world. World renown sculptures, and paintings find their homes in this ancient city, and can be viewed daily in hundreds of basilicas, chapels, and cathedrals in the area.

The Uffizi:

The Uffizi were originally created as a suite of offices, by the architect Vasari, it is now used to display the Medici family's art treasures. The Medici ruled Florence from the mid 13^th century up until the late 16^th century.

This building is located in the "center east" of Florence and is well worth any amount of time it takes to get to it. According to DK's Eyewitness Travel, " Most of the paintings are hung in rooms 7-18, but five new rooms opened on the ground floor in 2004." Since there are thousands of tourists that travel to Florence just to see the amazing artworks, it is recommend that you buy tickets in advance in order to avoid long lines. But, if your not able to get to Florence the Uffizi collection can be seen online in a virtual gallery.

Favored paintings inside the Uffizi:

Giotto's "The Ognissanti Madonna," 1310, Gothic Art

Giotto is credited as fathering the Gothic movement. He took his paintings away from the popular medieval constructions of the day and introduced a better grasp of spatial depth. However, like work from the medieval period, his "Ognissanti Madonna" does share some similar characteristics such as: a gold background, and floating heads. But, his work stands out for the amazing depth it introduced. His work inspired many artists in their own works including the famed Duccio's "Maesta" altarpiece that is found in the Siena Cathedral.

Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus," 1485, Renaissance Art

Botticelli is a prime example of a painter of the Renaissance Period, and many of his works include figures from Roman mythology. The Renaissance was specifically a time when artists wanted to recreate the Greek and Roman masterpieces of the pre-Christian era. His paintings are numerous, and influenced many artists in his day. In his painting, "The Birth of Venus," Botticelli portrays the "Roman goddess of love, born in a storm in the Aegean sea. She is blown ashore by the winds and greeted by nymphs, ready to wrap her in a cloak." (DK Travel) This painting is full of motion. Everything from the flying blossoms, flowing garments, wind blown hair to the personification of the wind's movements makes this work a fabulous example of Renaissance art. Arguably, this painting may be one of Botticelli's best works.

Botticelli's Primavera, 1485, Renaissance Art

This painting is a beautiful example of Botticelli's workmanship. DK Travel refers to Botticelli's paintings as the "highlight of the Uffizi collection." The brilliant colors and theme of this painting really add to it's remark ability It depicts a pagan ceremony from Roman mythology, and is a work that at it's time was extremely controversial. During this time of the Renaissance when it debuted, art themes generally centered around Religion, Christ, and Spirituality.

Michelangelo, "The Holy Family," 1506

Michelangelo was a leader in composition. Until this his painting "The Holy Family," the Madonna and Child were always composed with the Christ child on the Madonna's lap. Michelangelo's use of color was also phenomenal. He used vivid and expressive colors. He also inspired the Mannerist art movement with his use of posture, and expressive elongated forms.(DK Travel)

Leonardo Da Vinci, The Annunciation, 1472-1475, Renaissance Art

Leonardo Da Vinci has often been credited as the man who really helped bring in the High Renaissance period. As a "Florentine artist, [he is] one of the great masters of the High Renaissance, celebrated as a painter, sculptor, architect, engineer, and scientist." (MSN Encarta) His "The Annunciation" is a brilliant example of his artistic feats. It depicts the angel telling, or announcing to Mary that she is going to have the Christ, savoir of the world. (Luke chapter one).

Fra Filippo Lippi, Madonna and Child with Angels, 1455-66, Renaissance Art

Fra Filippo Lippi is known for his paintings having a "note of decorativeness and an emphasis on the human qualities of scenes to the basic intellectualism of Florentine painting." (MSN Encarta) In this painting the Christ child is being held up by angels, and he is reaching for his mother. She is shown in a blue garment. Mary is a very pretty stylized figure with large knowing eyes. This is an excellent example Fra Filippo Lippi's work.

Piero della Francesca, "The Duke and Duchess of Urbino," 1463, Renaissance art

These paintings were painted on wooden panels, and they were the first reality based portraits of the Renaissance period. Piero della Francesca's painted the figures including their flaws. Many artists up until this time painted a more general idea of their subject matter. The Duke of Urbino and his wife are not strikingly handsome, or beautiful, they are just plain people. DK Travel states they obvious when they say that Piero della Francesca "even recorded the Duke's hooked nose, [which] had been broken by a sword fight.

The Uffizi collection can be seen virtually in its entirety.

References:

King James Bible, Luke Chapter One.

DK Eyewitness Travel, Florence and Tuscany, 2009.

Leonardo Da Vinci at: http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761561520/Leonardo_da_Vinci.html. Retrieved from the world wide web on 7/20/09.

Fra Lippo Lippi at: http://www.msnencarta.com/encyclopedia_761568372/Fra_Filippo_Lippi.html. Retrieved from the world wide web on 7/20/09.