The painter Masaccio was one of the most influential and important painters of the Quattrocento period of the Italian Renaissance, a key figure in moving from the more stylised and decorative aesthetic of Gothic art to something more naturalistic. Vasari, an artist and architect in his own right who was a great writer, historian, and chronicler of the Renaissance masters, notes that Masaccio was studied by all of Florence’s most celebrated painters and sculptors in order to, "learn the precepts and rules for painting well."
So, though his name is perhaps unfamiliar to many, his influence goes far beyond his life and work and his paintings, when viewed today, remain striking and impressive things to behold. Full of dramatic tension, stunning jewel tones, and impressive lifelike figures, his paintings and frescoes are a delight to devour.
If you are browsing our Tuscany Villas and are already a fan of his work, in particular, or are simply interested in the history of art and the Italian Renaissance, then this winter is an ideal time to plan a vacation in Tuscany as the master’s great works are returning to Masaccio’s home town of San Giovanni Valdarno for a very special exhibition!
Already a gem of a place and well worth visiting if you find a villa in the Valdarno or a vacation rental in Arezzo or a holiday rental in Florence, the town is located halfway between these two great cities and boasts a well-preserved medieval centre and lush hilly surroundings. With several incredible museums, palaces, and churches that can be visited around town, San Giovanni Valdarno is already a surprising hot spot for any serious art-lover on holidays in Tuscany!
Masaccio’s works, normally found in the likes of Florence, London, Berlin, and LA, made a temporary home of their creator’s birthplace, along with the works of Beato Angelico with the Masaccio and Angelico. Dialogue on Truth in Painting exhibition’s arrival in two venues in town on the 17th of September 2022 and will remain on display until the 15th of January 2023. These two venues are the Museo delle Terre Nuove and the Museo della Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie, with the former showing works by Masaccio, related to the iconography of the Madonna and Child. Among these, two masterpieces from the Uffizi Gallery, have been loaned to the exhibition. The exhibition at the Museo della Basilica, meanwhile, is dedicated to Angelico and is centred around a theme of the Annunciation.
Part of the Uffizi Gallery's, "Terre degli Uffizi", travelling art scheme that aims to create a greater connection between Tuscan art and the territory of Tuscany itself, this wonderful dual exhibition is an ideal opportunity to see the works of the incredibly talented and influential Masaccio in the context of his artistic gem of a home town on a victory lap of sorts. Furthermore, you can also see the oeuvre of Angelico, another great and influential Renaissance contemporary, adding two extra exhibitions to this secret art hot spot of a town.
So, if you are a proper art-lover and you were thinking of coming to enjoy the charms of winter in Tuscany – the hearty cuisine, the excellent wine, the pretty historic towns made lovelier by Christmas lights, the wonderful festive markets, the sense of cheer and excitement, and much more besides – then you should also make time to pay a visit to the wonderful town of San Giovanni Valdarno while you have the opportunity to catch this rather special exhibition.
Museo delle Terre Nuove e Museo della Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie
Piazza Masaccio, San Giovanni Valdarno, AR, Italia
info@museobasilica.it
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Friday, 3-7pm.
Saturday and Sunday, 10am – 1pm and 3-7pm.
Closed on Mondays.
Tickets:
Full fee, €10
Reduced, €7 (groups over 15, over 65, children 18-25, Cappella Brancacci ticket holders)
Free for those under 18 and disabled patrons plus their accompanying persons.
