The Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence is a beautiful museum that is home to endless Renaissance masterpieces by some of the most famous artists of the period. These works include Michelangelo's incredibly iconic “David” and many other works that relate to the artist's career and process. However, while the gallery is an excellent place to visit to learn more about Michelangelo, in particular, there are lots of other important artists represented by the collection that you shouldn't miss out on; including Sandro Botticelli, Domenico Ghirlandaio and Paolo Uccello, among others.
Just find a luxury villa in Florence and discover this astounding museum for yourself!
7. Madonna del Mare, Botticelli, between c.1475 and c.1480
While the exact attribution of this work is debated, it is still currently assumed to be an early work by Botticelli.
Just find a luxury villa in Florence and discover this astounding museum for yourself!
7. Madonna del Mare, Botticelli, between c.1475 and c.1480
While the exact attribution of this work is debated, it is still currently assumed to be an early work by Botticelli.
However, even if it is not by the great artist himself, it is likely that it was produced by a student or follower. The Madonna here has the same type of sweet face that we are used to seeing in works by Botticelli and the tones and drapery in the fabrics and slender, Gothic inspired figures are also akin to those commonly seen in his work. The child Christ is a little strange looking, as was typical for the period because the anatomy of children had not yet been mastered, but he is not as bizarre as those often seen in Renaissance art. Coming from the convent of Santa Felicita in Florence, the painting has suffered damage over the years and was repainted at some point in its life. The name Madonna del Mare, or Madonna of the Sea, has been attached to the work due to the seaside scenes in the background of the image that can be seen through the window in front of which the Madonna sits.
8. Descent from the Cross, Perugino, 1504-1507
Another work attributed to a famous Renaissance Master is the Decent from the Cross by Perugino. While he may be a less famous name to contemporary ears, this splendid work speaks for itself.
8. Descent from the Cross, Perugino, 1504-1507
Another work attributed to a famous Renaissance Master is the Decent from the Cross by Perugino. While he may be a less famous name to contemporary ears, this splendid work speaks for itself.
Expressed in lively jewel tones and with dynamic movement and action, it is an attractive and interesting work. Part of the Annunziata Polyptych painting cycle that was started by Filippino Lippi and finished by Pietro Perugino, this work is part of the central panel that is now divided between the Galleria dell'Accademia (this work) and the Basilica dell'Annunziata. The polyptych had other six panels, which are housed in the Lindenau-Museum of Altenburg, the Metropolitan Museum of New York City, the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica in Rome and in a private collection in South Africa.
9. St. Stephen between St. James and St. Peter, Ghirlandaio, 1493
Another lesser-known artist and Early Renaissance work is Domenico Ghirlandaio’s solemn composition depicting St. Stephen between St. James and St. Peter. The three sculptural and masterfully draped figures emerge from monumental niches painted in the background. Mastery over perspective is demonstrated with the optical illusion of the depth behind the figures and his interest in classical sculpture is apparent in the drapery and poses. It makes sense that such an exceptional artist was Michelangelo's teacher.
Of course, there are plenty of other works to check out in the Accademia so be sure to read the previous posts in this series and be sure to visit this wonderful gallery!
9. St. Stephen between St. James and St. Peter, Ghirlandaio, 1493
Another lesser-known artist and Early Renaissance work is Domenico Ghirlandaio’s solemn composition depicting St. Stephen between St. James and St. Peter. The three sculptural and masterfully draped figures emerge from monumental niches painted in the background. Mastery over perspective is demonstrated with the optical illusion of the depth behind the figures and his interest in classical sculpture is apparent in the drapery and poses. It makes sense that such an exceptional artist was Michelangelo's teacher.
Of course, there are plenty of other works to check out in the Accademia so be sure to read the previous posts in this series and be sure to visit this wonderful gallery!
