Posted on

The selfportraits collection of the Uffizi Gallery

This July began with the opening of 12 new rooms of the Uffizi Gallery that house the selfportrait section. The extraordinary exhibition presents 255 works from the rich collection of selfportraits, previously exhibited in the Vasari Corridor.

The collection was started by Cardinal Leopoldo de’ Medici in the 17th century and has never been interrupted since then. In fact, it is the largest, oldest, and most important collection of self-portraits in the world.

The selfportraits are exhibited in 12 new rooms on the first floor of the Gallery, characterized by a splendid bright pink, which wants to allude to Cardinal Leopoldo’s robe, whose statue welcomes visitors.

The works will be exhibited in rotation so that all the masterpieces in the collection can be admired, as well as for necessary conservation constraints. The current exhibition also features 36 selfportraits of women who have made a great contribution to the history of art.

Posted on

The full spirit of Renaissance

How many times have you seen Botticelli’s Spring? Probably thousands of times, right? In fact, who does not know about Sandro Botticelli’s Spring? It is no coincidence that thousands of people visit the Uffizi Gallery every year to see it in person.

It is certainly a symbol of Renaissance and of ideal Beauty, as well as one of the most loved works by our art historian Lucia Montuschi who often defines it as “the Breath of Renaissance”. A definition inspired by the complex symbology that we find in the painting, a celebration of love, peace and prosperity.

If we look carefully at the painting we can see the outline of two lungs in the vegetation. The first to notice them were the American researchers Blech and Doliner in 2009, who saw this detail right behind the figure of Venus in the center of the famous masterpiece. Can you see them now?

An anatomical representation of a lung was also discovered in the Birth of Venus. According to Davide Lazzeri, a researcher in the study of medicine in art, in the particular shape and color of the cloak held by a figure identified as the Hora of Spring or one of the Graces, a lung can be seen quite clearly. To learn more about the news click here.

Posted on

Ciao from Florence

Dear friends,

In this difficult moment we have decided to make the most of the means we have in order to keep on promoting culture and sharing the passion that brings us together. Everyday many museums and foundations are posting videos and in-depth studies of their masterpieces on social networks.

For example the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, the Teatro la Fenice in Venice, some museums in Rome, such as the Capitolini, and so on.

We think these short videos are wonderful opportunities to visit these places and see them in a different light while comfortably sitting on our sofas at home.

All this reminds us that we are not alone but, on the contrary, we are a large community ready to come back as soon as it is safe for everyone.

While waiting to be able to accompany you once again through new discoveries and itineraries, we are working on our tours and preparing special events.

Follow us on our social networks for daily surprises and insights.

Here in Italy we are surrounded by art and even now there are many opportunities to explore it.

If you want to help and support us remotely, here are some ideas on how you can do it:

  • Post a comment about our services, LINK HERE

  • Post a photo or a memory of the time we have spent together on our social networks, LINK HERE.

  • Buy one of our vouchers valid for 12 months (starting from the official end of the quarantine date) to secure a place in one of our activities of your choice. Write to info@exclusiveconnection.it for information

  • Organize your next trip with us.

We sincerely hope to see you again soon!

Posted on

Visit Florence with children: meet the Renaissance Super-Heroes of Florence

Are you coming to Florence with your family and children? Would you like to discover more about Florence and its magnificent Renaissance art? We have a created a family-friendly walking tour to visit Florence and meet the Renaissance super-heroes. Here some of the super-artists you meet during our Florence walking tour. Continue reading “Visit Florence with children: meet the Renaissance Super-Heroes of Florence”