The Palatine Gallery is one of the many prestigious and fascinating museums located in the stunning Palazzo Pitti in Florence. A private royal collection that was opened to the public by the House of Lorraine in 1828, set within the incredible and luxurious stage of the palace itself and in the order in which they were accumulated by the families over the years, with works in their original frames, it offers a truly unique gallery experience. For art-lovers who have found a vacation rental in Florence, it is truly a must-see art experience in the city.
Of course, there are some particular highlights and these are our picks and favourites among them.
Of course, there are some particular highlights and these are our picks and favourites among them.
1. Panciatichi Assumption by Andrea del Sarto, painted c. 1522-1523
While this work was commissioned by Bartolomeo Panciatichi (the Elder) for a private altar in the French church of Notre-Dame-de-Confort, in Lyon, it never actually ended up in France. Instead, it remained in Italy and was bought by Panciatichi the Younger, who then gifted it to Jacopo Salviati. When all of Salviati's belongings were confiscated by Duke Cosimo I de' Medici, the painting came into the possession of Paolo Giordano Orsini. Finally, in the 17th century, it made its way to the Palazzo Pitti as part of the collection of prince Ferdinando de' Medici.
Aside from having a fascinating provenance, the work itself is intriguing. It depicts the Assumption of Mary across two registers, with the apostles crowded around her empty sepulcher below and the Virgin ascending into the clouds above in the upper register. With rich colours, dramatic lighting and theatrical poses, it is a striking work.
There are many more great works to be found in the gallery so be sure to read on to the rest of the posts in this series for more of our picks and get planning a trip to the Palazzo Pitti and the Palatine Gallery now!
Don't forget that we are the best website for Tuscan villas to rent on the market so, if you're planning a holiday to Tuscany, be sure to check out Tuscany-villas.it!
While this work was commissioned by Bartolomeo Panciatichi (the Elder) for a private altar in the French church of Notre-Dame-de-Confort, in Lyon, it never actually ended up in France. Instead, it remained in Italy and was bought by Panciatichi the Younger, who then gifted it to Jacopo Salviati. When all of Salviati's belongings were confiscated by Duke Cosimo I de' Medici, the painting came into the possession of Paolo Giordano Orsini. Finally, in the 17th century, it made its way to the Palazzo Pitti as part of the collection of prince Ferdinando de' Medici.
Aside from having a fascinating provenance, the work itself is intriguing. It depicts the Assumption of Mary across two registers, with the apostles crowded around her empty sepulcher below and the Virgin ascending into the clouds above in the upper register. With rich colours, dramatic lighting and theatrical poses, it is a striking work.
There are many more great works to be found in the gallery so be sure to read on to the rest of the posts in this series for more of our picks and get planning a trip to the Palazzo Pitti and the Palatine Gallery now!
Don't forget that we are the best website for Tuscan villas to rent on the market so, if you're planning a holiday to Tuscany, be sure to check out Tuscany-villas.it!