Recently, construction workers made a wonderful discovery of lost art in the Uffizi in Florence Italy. As they cleared away plaster for renovations and expansions, two long-lost frescos were discovered. When they found them, they realized they depict two de Medici Dukes, who ruled over Florence, Dukes Ferdinando I and his son Cosimo II.
Could the Uffizi Acquire Another Work of Lost Art?
Meanwhile, this comes among several recent discoveries of lost art, including a Caravaggio painting in Spain. The painting was about to be sold at auction for about $1500 when a dealer recognized what it truly is. Because Italy is one of the contenders to claim this painting, it might well come to the Uffizi.
Best Art Museum in Florence?
The Uffizi Museum first shared its art with visitors in 1591. This makes it the oldest art museum in the world. It is massive, with 45 rooms covering over 8,000 square meters.
Originally, the building was magisterial offices of Florence during the reign of the de Medici family. It is located in the old city center. Uffizi means “Offices.”
The powerful de Medicis included two Popes, and a massive number of dukes and other nobility. As a result, they built Florence into an enormous center of power. After the dynasty fell, the last de Medici heiress gifted the collection to the city of Florence. This formed the foundation of the Uffizi today.
How the Lost Art Was Found
When the Uffizi began a massive refurbishment to the Uffizi, the frescoes were discovered. In that project, they plan to add up to 43 more rooms to the museum. It is one of the must-visit museums in Italy, and with these refurbishments it will only be better.
Famous Works in the Uffizi
You should plan to visit the Uffizi because its vast collection includes some of the world’s most famous paintings and sculptures, including:
- Boticelli’s Birth of Venus
- Da Vinci’s The Annunciation and his unfinished Adoration of the Magi
- Works by Titian and Raphael
- Artemisia Gentileshci’s Judith Beheading Holofernes
- Many Roman sculptures.
By the way, Artemisia Gentileschi’s story is fascinating–we will cover her in a future post.
You can prepare for a visit by viewing some of the videos the museum has published online.
More About Art in Florence Italy
Florence is one of the top cities to visit for any art-loving traveler. Of course, the Uffizi is one of the primary reasons to visit. Of course, you will also want to visit Galleria dell’Accademia, home of Michelangelo’s David for art in Florence Italy.
Also, don’t forget to check out our Travel Tips and posts about other fantastic art museums.
Because art in Florence Italy is so well-known, there are many excellent guides and tours. Please comment if you have suggestions–or if you have questions.
