'The Cinquecento in Florence. From Michelangelo and Pontormo to Giambologna’

On display at Palazzo Strozzi the art of the second half of the 1500s in Florence

From 21 September 2017 to 21 January 2018

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From September 21st 2017 to January 21st 2018, Palazzo Strozzi in Florence hosts' The Cinquecento in Florence. From Michelangelo and Pontormo to Giambologna', an unmissable exhibition on the artistic splendour of the Tuscan capital in the second half of the 1500s.

After ‘Bronzino. Painter and poet at the Medici Court’ in 2010 and 'Pontormo e Rosso fiorentino' in 2014, this splendid Florence art exhibition represents the last act of the trilogy of Palazzo Strozzi Florence, created with the intention of celebrating an extraordinary historical period characterized by a fervent intellectual ardour, important events such as the Council of Trent and the reign of Francesco I de' Medici, the key figure of court patronage in Europe.

Among the exhibitions in Florence, we strongly suggest not missing this one! Over 70 works of art - including paintings and sculptures – on display by artists who participated in the decoration of the Studiolo di Palazzo Strozzi, the Tribune in the Uffizi Gallery and some churches in Florence: we are talking about masters of the likes of Rosso Fiorentino, Michelangelo, Giorgio Vasari And Giambologna, just to name a few.

This exciting journey will focus on Florentine arts up to the publication of the first edition of ‘Le vite de' più eccellenti pittori, scultori, e architettori’ by Vasari (1550). You can admire splendid works dating back to that flourishing period such as Michelangelo's ‘River God’ and 'Pietà di Luco' by Andrea del Sarto, but also a unique comparison between the major works of three great artists: ‘Deposition from the Cross’ by Pontorno (1526- 1528), 'Deposition from the Cross of Volterra' by Rosso Fiorentino (1521) and ‘Deposition of Christ’ by Bronzino (1542-1545).

In the exhibition itinerary at Palazzo Strozzi in Firenze, sacred and profane works of art will be put into dialogue following a chronological and thematic order. The large spaces will in fact be divided into sacred themes created by the artists involved in the decoration of the Florentine churches and reproductions of profane subjects, often linked to the personality of Francesco I de' Medici. Among the sacred works it is worth mentioning the 'Crucifixion' of the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine by Vasari, the 'Resurrection' of the Basilica of Santa Croce dei Santi by Tito, the ‘Immaculate Conception’ by Bronzino, usually housed in the Church of Madonna della Pace, and 'Christ and the Samaritan Woman’ by Alessandro Allori. As for the profane works of art, Palazzo Strozzi – exhibition The Cinquecento in Florence - will exhibit for the first time together the six lunettes that compose a rare pictorial cycle of allegorical subject created by famous artists who, as mentioned before, gave their contribution to the Studiolo of Francesco I at Palazzo Vecchio.

In Florence, exhibitions are often a good opportunity to draw ancient works of art back into the light and, fortunately, even in this case it was successfully done! Restoration work was carried out in seventeen cases, first of all to restore Cappella Capponi in the Church of Santa Felicita and the whole environment, made possible thanks to the valuable contribution of the non-profit organization ‘Friends of Florence’. This Strozzi Palace exhibition on The Cinquecento in Florence has also made it possible to restore ten imposing altarpieces and a sculpture by Michelanagelo which for a long time had been in need of extensive and complex interventions.

'The Cinquecento in Florence. From Michelangelo and Pontormo to Giambologna' was conceived and organized by the Palazzo Strozzi Foundation, which has always worked with the aim of bringing to Florence and the whole of Tuscany an international approach in the organization of exhibitions and other cultural activities as well as to keep the Palace in the hands of the city and the Region.

We would like to spend two words on the magnificent location of this and many other exhibitions: Palazzo Strozzi. Considered one of the most beautiful Renaissance palaces in Italy, it is located between the homonymous street and luxurious Via Tornabuoni, known for hosting the boutiques of the most prestigious fashion houses. Commissioned by Florentine merchant Filippo Strozzi, it was built in 1489 but completed only in 1538.

Among the Florence exhibitions in progress do not miss ‘The Cinquecento in Florence. From Michelangelo and Pontormo to Giambologna ', open to the public until January 21st 2018... you can take advantage of your time here to visit other parts of the building, such as the courtyard and the loggia. And do not forget to keep your Palazzo Strozzi tickets for the exhibition: you can get discounts on parking, other events and much more!

Florence is known all over the world as the 'cradle of the Renaissance': so why not discover its artistic treasures? Or perhaps even the less well-known but equally fascinating areas? Take a look at our Florence tours webpage, choose your favourite one and get ready to experience unforgettable emotions!

Palazzo Strozzi – Florence exhibitions 2017 presents 'The Cinquecento in Florence'

Location: Florence - Palazzo Strozzi

Dates: from 21^st September 2017 to 21^st  January 2018