 The Museums in Italy is your passport to
the glorious Renaissance past. Whether as patrons or collectors,
the papacy played an enormous part in the artistic efflorescence.
Accordingly, the finest artistic works are housed in the Vatican.
But other regions are equally alluring. Whether you want to see the
Etruscan art that moulded the Roman civilization or the Umbrian
root of the Renaissance, the Uffizi center of Medici patronage or
even contemporary art, everything is on display in the Italian
Museum.
THE VATICAN:
The Vatican may be the tiniest country on earth, but it is
filled to the brim with untold treasures. As the greatest sacred
power, successive popes collected pieces of art in appreciation or
received as offerings. In the Renaissance age, the church was one
of the greatest patrons and, commissioned the finest art in the
western world. Though left scattered and disorganized, bereft of
proper markings, each room is an amazing testament to the artistic
times. If the Sistine chapel does not make you swoon, the imitable
Greek and Roman sculptures such as 'Loaocoon' and the Belvedere
Apollo will. The walls of these buildings were executed by no less
than Raphael - that itself is a statement of its artistic value.
Endless collections spanning pagan Greco - Roman era of antiquities
are found in its numerous rooms.
Galleria Borges;
The Borghia family was one of the most eminent families of Italy
and had deep- though illegitimate connections with the papacy. Over
the years, their collection, some completed under direct patronage,
grew to become perhaps the most illustrious in the land. Now housed
in their own 17th C palace, its frescos and décor are as
fabulous as the collections. The masterpieces of Baroque sculpture
by young Bernini and paintings by Caravaggio and Raphael are as
breathtaking as ever.
National Etruscan Museum ;
The Etruscan predates the Roman and had a marvelous composite
culture with unique art and religion. Though almost obliterated in
public minds, their contributions became the foundation for the
great Roman Empire. Some of their marvelous bronze and marble
sculptures, sarcophagi, jewellery and representation of mythical
heroes can be seen in this museum. You will be definitely taken
aback by the design and sophistication.
Uffizi Gallery;
The world's greatest collection of Renaissance paintings is here
since this 16th Century palazzo happened to be the Uffizi or the
offices of Duchy of Tuscany under Medici. About 90% of Italy's
Renaissance legacy is stored here and be prepared to drool at the
sight of all the great masterpieces.
NATIONAL GALLERY OF UMBRIA:
This is the font of Renaissance inspiration as the masters had
clear Umbrian and Tuscan roots. Revel in a world-class collection
of paintings, including works by Fra Angelico, Piero della
Francesco, Perugino, Duccio, and Gozzoli, among others.
Academy Gallery of Venice
Some of the greatest Venetian paintings can be found here. Each
room holds untold treasures and you would be swept of your feet by
the innumerable works of Bellini, Carpaccio, Giorgione, Titian, and
Tintoretto and others.
PEGGY GUGGENHEIM COLLECTION (VENICE
:
Italy is not all about Renaissance and this museum in Venice
tells you why. As you visit unequalled collections of stunning
contemporary art, you note how the forms are lost and colours take
on symbolism. The perfect forms you are so familiar with in the
Renaissance paintings become inchoate and indefinable. Yet they
convey an inner message as can be seen in the calcavade of 20th
century art by Max Ernst, Picasso, Braque, Magritte, Giacometti,
and Moore.
BRERA PICTURE GALLERY OF MILAN
;
Milan was always the center of wealth and power and the power of
artistic patronage is visible here. The 17th Century palace is
brimming with paintings from schools of Lombardy and Venice
Mantegna's Dead Christ, Giovanni Bellini's La Pietà, and
Carpaccio's St. Stephen Debating are absolute masterpieces. |
