There is never a lack of exhibitions happening at any given moment in time in Florence. However, some are a little more special than others whether the pieces are on loan from all over the world, have never been seen together, gain new meaning in an entirely new setting or have rarely been seen before. It is the latter reason that makes an exhibition currently running in the Pitti Palace so special.
“Rigour and Grace” sees pieces that are rarely on display being opened to the public in their home in the Palatine Chapel which is, likewise, rarely seen. For the next few months, this beautiful and exclusive space is being opened for visits. If you have found your luxury villa in Florence and are planning on visiting before May 17th, be sure to drop by the chapel.
“Rigour and Grace” sees pieces that are rarely on display being opened to the public in their home in the Palatine Chapel which is, likewise, rarely seen. For the next few months, this beautiful and exclusive space is being opened for visits. If you have found your luxury villa in Florence and are planning on visiting before May 17th, be sure to drop by the chapel.
The Pitti Palace is already a sight to behold with its imposing architecture, impressive setting, stunning gardens and multiple museums housed inside. The Rigour and Grace exhibition is a particular highlight of this extraordinary site, however, as it celebrates the recent full restoration of little-known artworks by 17th century artists and offers a rare glimpse of both the works and the Palatine Chapel in which they are displayed. Almost all of the works are from the heritage of the Confraternity of San Benedetto Bianco, one of the most important and prestigious lay groups in Florence which was established in 1357. The Confraternity had a particular devotion to the sacrifice of Christ which then became a recurring theme in the works they commissioned and purchased.
The Palatine Chapel is located on the ground floor of the Pitti Palace and was once part of the apartments of the Medici family. In 1765 Leopold, Duke of Lorraine, ordered the great hall of the apartment to be transformed into a chapel. It has always remained a place of worship, but has historically only been opened to the public on rare occasions. This exhibition gives a unique opportunity to admire the chapel from the inside. Among the artists represented are Ferdinando Tacca, Agostino Melissi, Cristofano Allori, Lorenzo Lippi, Mario Balassi and Matteo Rosselli.
The Rigour and Grace exhibition was opened on October 22nd of 2015 and will run until May 17th of 2016. For art-lovers spending time in Florence this exhibition really is a must as it offers a unique opportunity to view one of the most beautiful collections and settings in Tuscany that is not likely to come around again too quickly or readily.
The Rigour and Grace exhibition was opened on October 22nd of 2015 and will run until May 17th of 2016. For art-lovers spending time in Florence this exhibition really is a must as it offers a unique opportunity to view one of the most beautiful collections and settings in Tuscany that is not likely to come around again too quickly or readily.
