Uffizi Gallery

So...I've been without internet for a few days. But, I'm here now (temporarily I'm sure). But, before I tell you about my incredible experience at the Uffizi Gallery, I just want to say, " 'atta boy Eli!!" Watching the game at 12:30 my time was not exactly what I had in mind but c'mon..it's THE SUPERBOWL*

Sorry, I just had to...

Anyways, the Uffizi Gallery, is conveniently located 3 minutes from my apartment (I guess you could say it's practically in my backyard) so it was only fitting that I spend a lazy Sunday morning looking at the work of Leonardo, Raphael, Botticelli**just to name a few. With my Rick Steves' 2010 Florence/Tuscany book in hand, (thankfully I found it at my apartment because it was a lifesaver yesterday....and thank you Mom for nicely "forcing" me to read it--mom does in fact know best I'm afraid) I quietly followed his instructions (and the giant mass of people--last Superbowl reference, I promise!) and climbed the 4 massive flights of stairs, which would become my starting point for the tour.

Sidenote (this will make sense as you continue to read): Prior to leaving, I bought Eugene H. Peterson's "The Message Remix"--New Testament in contemporary terms, in hopes of building a stronger faith in myself and in God. While I'm by no means an expert, and have not been able to attend church since I left home, I finished Matthew yesterday before going to the Uffizi Gallery--thank goodness I did. It was a truly moving experience seeing the story of Our Savior, Jesus Christ in art dating back centuries ago! Even more moving was the fact that I suddenly understood everything. It was as if in that moment, God pressed the "easy" button and BAM!  I mean, here right in front of my eyes was a depiction of the Crucification. Oh and over there, that's a painting of the Birth of Jesus. 

Down the hall, enter the first door on the left--Giotto's Madonna and Child...


Sure enough, in all of it's glory, stood this magnificent painting, which was followed by a series of paintings with similar "Madonna and Child" themes as well as angels. However, as Rick Steves' said, each painting became progressively more "real." Painted only a few decades apart, no 2 paintings looked alike.

Giotto- Madonna and Child

Enter room 3

Simone Martini- Annunciation

                                              Gentile da Fabriano- Adoration of the Magi

U- turn into room 7

Paolo Ucello- The Battle of San Romano

Sidenote: "Google Images" just doesn't cut it when looking at Renaissance art...

Enter Room 8

Piero della Francesca- The Duke and Duchess of Urbino

While you can't see it, these paintings are actually quite unique. According to Rick Steves, "in medieval times, only saints and angels were worthy of being painted." However.."Renaissance artists discovered the beauty in ordinary people, literally painted them, warts and all."

Y'all should really look into getting this book! It's amazing what I'm learning. Although, coming to Florence is also another really good idea!

Enter Room 9

Fra Fillippo- Madonna and Child with Two Angels

Antonio Pollaiuolo- Labors of Hercules

Enter the large Botticelli room and take a seat..(I spent the most time in this room)

Ahh and the Renaissance blossoms in Florence...

Again, I have to give my mom credit. She was the one who told me that I would absolutely fall in love with Botticelli..and boy was she right. 

Botticelli- Birth of Venus

I mean, just look at this. Look at her. Look at them. Her purity. Their innocence. I literally stood there in awe. For some reason, I could not take my eyes off this painting...and then I saw this one...

Botticelli- Allegory of Spring

So much going on. So many messages. Three Graces--possibly of Love. Cupid shooting an arrow carelessly not caring who it hits. As Rick Steves says, during this time Adam and Eve are out and the natural beauty of the human body is in (and not sinful). 

These are by far my 2 favorite Botticelli's--as if I can be "picky" with Renaissance Art...I can already see the eyes rolling.

I still don't know how I left this room but I did..and I had to settle for Leonardo. Unfortunately 2 of his 3 works at this museum are being restored (one being, Adoration of the Magi). However, I did get to see Leonardo's Annunciation. 

Ok, I can check him off my list (for now at least). 

I can finally say I've seen a Leonardo!

Now skipping ahead a few rooms. I obviously chose a bad time to visit because many of the rooms are under renovation and restoration so I was unable to see: Hans Baldung Grien- Copy of Durer's Adam and Eve, Lucas Cranach-Adam and Eve, Cranach- Martin Luther and Cranach- Katherine von Bora.

I was unable to also see the self portrait of Raphael--I did a project on him in 7th grade so he holds a special place in my heart.

However, I did get to see this painting...done by Leonardo's teacher, Verrocchio. 

Continue to read...

Battesimo di Cristo-(Baptism of Christ)

Renaissance Rumor: The Fact: Leonardo did in fact paint the angel on the far left at the ripe age of 14. The Rumor: After learning of Leonardo's incredible work, Verrocchio put down his brushes and never painted again, which is just silly. This painting is incredible Verrocchio!

I finished my tour wandering through the "foreign artists"exhibit but quickly made my way through it and continued to the gift shop. How American.

If you can't tell already, I liked the Museum. And by liked, I really mean I LOVED the museum.

And, if you've been keeping up with my blog, you already know I'm taking an Art History class. I feel like this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

XOXO,

Meggie

*My roommate is a die hard Pats fan and my other 3 roommates were rooting for the Pats..I mean..Tom Brady so I was flying solo last night!

**Slightly obsessed with Botticelli. I bought a book of his work at the gift shop and I can't put it down. It's simply incredible!