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Dear Friends,
On Tuesday the Uffizi finally reopened its doors to the public with more art on display in 14 new rooms. These were presented the day before, Monday May 3, in a press conference introduced by Director Eike Schmidt.
In his nice speech he explained that in the new rooms there are as many as 129 works of art focusing on sixteenth-century Florentine, Emilian and Roman painting, half of which have not been displayed in the last decades or never seen before – such as the recent acquisitions by Daniele da Volterra, Rosso Fiorentino and Homer’s Riddle by Bartolomeo Passerotti – and other well-known masterpieces are now on show in such a way to rediscover their deepest meanings.
Eike said this selection of art reflects the true spirit of the Medici as collectors: they were not just interested in Florentine art, but they looked for the very best all over Italy and beyond.
In other countries, such a number of such important artworks would fill a whole museum, whereas here it is only a section within the Uffizi, reasserting the unique richness of its collections.
In his press release the Director also commended the Friends for showing once again their love for the museum, by funding the furbishing of the Parmigianino room.
On my part, I can say the sight of the Madonna with the Long Neck is really breathtaking, and the sweep of new rooms is a crescendo of emotion. It’ interesting that in the same area there are two paintings restored by Rita and Howard Freedman.
Now the Uffizi have become like the Louvre or other large museums where it is impossible to see the entire collections, but one must choose a preferred section one at a time.
I am attaching a few pictures with views of the new rooms, hoping you will be able to come soon and see them for yourself.
Last but not least, I am also sending the new issue of our Giornale, where the Friends and their generosity are again duly noted.
I am sure you will enjoy the important news !
Love,
MVittoria
