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Art and love in museums of Florence

A museum itinerary to discover paintings and frescoes on love.

Art and love are connected by an eternal thread, and Florence knows something about it! This itinerary takes us to discover some masterpieces on the theme of love, universal over the centuries. Exhibited in Florentine museums, these paintings are for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the meaning of this word. It is recommended to purchase the Firenzecard with which you can access all the following museums.

“Venus and Cupid”, 1532 – 1533, Pontormo (Accademia Gallery)

An extraordinary work that reflects Florentine mannerism with its style rich in vibrant colors, elongated shapes and elegant compositions. The panel painting, created by Pontormo around 1533, is inspired by a preparatory cartoon by Michelangelo, evident in the sculptural forms and in the twisting of Venus, which recalls the Night of the New Sacristy of San Lorenzo. The central theme is the myth of Venus and Cupid, symbol of the contrast between earthly and sensual love, embodied by Cupid, and celestial and spiritual love, represented by Venus. The objects on the altar – puppet, quiver, flowers and masks – allude to the transience of passions and the deceptive duality of love.

Another version of Venus and Cupid is located in the Uffizi Gallery, Room 80, and is attributed to Alessandro Allori (Florence 1535 - 1607). Most scholars agree in considering this small painting a commission by Francis I, intended to celebrate his love for Bianca Cappello.

“Venus combing Cupid’s hair” and “Amore Conqueror” (Palatine Gallery, Pitti Palace)

“Venus combing Cupid’s hair” by Giovanni Mannozzi known as Giovanni da San Giovanni (San Giovanni Valdarno 1592 – Florence 1636) is located in the Hall of Allegories of the Palatine Gallery. The canvas offers one of the most original interpretations of Venus in the figurative arts. The goddess of love is depicted in the center of a dark and rocky landscape, while, in an affectionate and maternal gesture, she combs her son Cupid's thick hair with a thick comb, as if she were intent on looking for any lice.

Instead, it is in the Hall of Ulysses “Amore Vincitore” by Orazio Riminaldi (Pisa 1593-1630). The canvas belonged to the collection of Grand Prince Ferdinando de' Medici and probably came from the group of works left to Orazio's brother after his death. The subject of the work is commonly identified as "Love conquering the arts", but in the Medici inventories of the end of the seventeenth century it is described as "Love dominating everything" or "The genius of virtue". The painting is inspired by the Virgilian concept Omnia vincit amor and finds an illustrious precedent in the work with the same theme created by Caravaggio for the Marquis Giustiniani.

“Sleeping Cupid”, 1608, Caravaggio (Palatine Gallery)

The painting depicts the god Eros in a moment of rest which however transmits a message of hope, given that it is the symbol of the love that lives within every person. In Caravaggio's work, the cupid sleeps on a dark background, illuminated by a beam of light. The realism of the body combines with mythological elements, such as wings, arrows and quivers resting on the ground.

Scholars also remember that Caravaggio, an artist with a troubled life, painted the work while fleeing, forced to flee to Malta, on another Mediterranean island.

Brancacci Chapel (Church of Santa Maria del Carmine)

Masaccio's frescoes, while not explicitly about romantic love, explore themes of compassion and redemption that are linked to spiritual love.

Also, don't miss the exhibitions in Florence, they are full of love!



Photo header credits: https://www.uffizi.it/opere/san-giovanni-venere-amore
Photo credits:
https://www.galleriaaccademiafirenze.it/
https://cultura.comune.fi.it/
https://www.uffizi.it/