The transformation of the Uffizi complex into a triumphant architectural statement of centralised political power.

Florence pays tribute, on the five-hundredth anniversary of his birth, to a great genius of the sixteenth century: Giorgio Vasari (1511-1574). The exhibition, entitled Vasari, the Uffizi and the Duke, highlights the close relationship between the Grand Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici and his favourite artist, which then led to the foundation of a building complex unparalleled in the world: The Uffizi.

Standing in the heart of the city, where it reflects the absolutist and centralising policy of Cosimo I, the complex was designed to house Florence’s administrative seat and its guilds’ headquarters under a single roof. The memory of this original destination lives in the name of the Uffizi, literally “offices”. The building is in fact an emblematic fragment of a new city, sealing into a single organism the two ducal residences of Palazzo Vecchio (the seat of government) and the Pitti Palace beyond the Arno, impressing upon the city the physical presence of Power in the shape of architecture.

Vasari was a painter, architect and court artist to Tuscan ruler Cosimo I de’ Medici. His vision was key to the evolution of Cinquecento Florence where his major achievements were the design of the Uffizi and the decoration of the Palazzo Vecchio.

The exhibition focuses on the fruits of Vasari’s rapport with his patron, Cosimo I. Through paintings, drawings, sculptures, architectural models and multimedia installations, the exhibition charts the transformation of Florence into the central hub of a unified territory, similar to the capital city of a modern state.

In true Renaissance spirit, Cosimo’s thirst for power went hand in hand with a passion for the arts. He also gathered about him the region’s finest artists, including Jacopo Pontormo, Bronzino, Benvenuto Cellini and Baccio Bandinelli. It was a competitive ambience and Vasari took years to win entry to Cosimo’s inner circle. The artistic consolidation of Vasari, which went hand-in-hand with his political legitimisation, was driven not only by his artistic activity, but also by his work as a historian.

Willem Danielsz van Tetrode (Delft, Olanda 1530 - 1587), Apollo, bronzo. Firenze, Galleria degli UffizWillem Danielsz van Tetrode (Delft, Olanda 1530 - 1587), Apollo, bronzo. Firenze, Galleria degli UffiziAmbito italiano del secolo XVI, Ercole, bronzo. Firenze, Galleria degli UffiziGiorgio Vasari (Arezzo 1511 - Firenze 1574), Allegoria dell’Immacolata Concezione, sec. XVI  secolo (1541), olio su tavola. Firenze, Galleria degli UffiziJacopo Carucci detto Pontormo (Empoli 1494 - Firenze 1557),  Adorazione dei Magi, XVI secolo (1521 post-1523 ante), olio su tavola.  Firenze, Gallerie degli Uffizi, Galleria Palatina ed Appartamenti RealiGiorgio Vasari (Arezzo 1511 - Firenze 1574), Miracolo di Eliseo, sec. XVI secolo (1560-1570), olio  su tavola. Firenze, Galleria degli UffiziGiorgio Vasari (Arezzo 1511 - Firenze 1574), Ritratto di Lorenzo il Magnifico, sec. XVI  secolo (1533-1534), olio su tavola. Firenze, Galleria degli UffiziAgnolo di Cosimo detto Bronzino (Firenze 1503 - 1572), Ritratto di Luca Martini, XVI secolo (1550- 1560), olio su tavola. Firenze, Gallerie degli Uffizi, Galleria Palatina ed Appartamenti RealAttribuito a Jacopo Zucchi (Firenze 1541 - Roma 1590), Altre attribuzioni: Stradano  Giovanni ; Vasari Giorgio, Ritratto di Giorgio Vasari, sec. XVI secolo (1571-1574), olio su  tavola. Firenze, Galleria degli UffiziGiorgio Vasari (Arezzo 1511 - Firenze 1574), Altre attribuzioni: Morandini  Francesco detto il Poppi ; Zucchi Jacopo, Visione del conte Ugo di Toscana,  XVI secolo, terzo quarto (1568 ca.), olio su tavola. Firenze, Gallerie degli Uffizi,  Galleria Palatina ed Appartamenti Reali
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Vasari, the Uffizi and the Duke

Uffizi Gallery, Florence

14 June 2011 – 8 January 2012

Exhibition curated by Claudia Conforti, Francesca de Luca, Francesca Funis and Antonio Godoli

Exhibition catalogue published by Giunti (available only in Italian)

Ministero per i Beni e le Attività Culturali, Direzione regionale per i Beni Culturali e Paesaggistici della toscana, Soprintendenza Speciale per il Patrimonio Storico, Artistico ed Etnoantropologico e per il Polo Museale della città di Firenze; Galleria degli Uffizi, Firenze Musei