Natura Morta: Still-Life Painting And Medici Collections

Merchants, bankers, rulers, patrons of the arts and sciences, and extraordinary collectors-the Medicis dominated the political and cultural life of Florence from the 15th to the mid-18th centuries. This exhibition features 40 sumptuous still-life paintings, or natura morta, collected or commissioned by Medici rulers from Cosimo II to the last Grand Duke of Tuscany.

A companion show, After Lifes: Drawings by Shimon Okshteyn, gives the still life a different, often amusing, decidedly contemporary spin. The exhibition will be on view from April 1 to May 27, 2007.

Organized by Contemporanea Progetti, Florence, Italy, in collaboration with The Trust for Museum Exhibitions, Washington, DC. In Rochester, the exhibition is made possible with public funds secured by New York State Senator James S. Alesi, with additional support from the Gallery Council of the Memorial Art Gallery, the Gouvernet Arts Fund of Rochester Area Community Foundation, and Michael and Joanna Grosodonia.

The picture shows Giovanna Garzoni, Ceramic Bowl with Pears and Morning Glories (1651-62). Campione d'Italia, Private Collection, Silvano Lodi. -- mag.rochester.edu

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Posted January 30th, 2007 by ruzik_tuzik