As the year-long calendar of events commemorating the 700th anniversary of Dante Alighieri’s death begins to roll out across Italy, we’re delighted that Florence’s renowned Uffizi Gallery has chosen to mark the occasion with a rare exhibition of drawings depicting the poet’s milestone achievement in Italian literature, ‘The Divine Comedy’.
The collection comprises a total of 88 sketches drawn by one of the most prominent figures in the Roman Mannerist school, painter and art theorist Federico Zuccari. Until recently, only a handful of the sketches had been exhibited publicly and have mainly been reserved for a privileged set of scholars due to the delicate nature of the material. Now, the full works have been captured digitally to allow all members of the public to browse through a virtual exhibition hosted by the Uffizi Gallery. The collection of inspiring drawings is free for everyone to enjoy; simply click the gallery to begin your virtual tour.
One of Europe’s most celebrated medieval artists, Federico Zuccari studied under the guidance of his older brother, also a painter, Taddeo Zuccari. As he progressed, he took over the frescos in the Cupola of Santa Maria del Fiore, begun by renowned painter, architect, art historian and biographer Giorgio Vasari, famed author of 'The Lives of the Most Celebrated Painters, Sculptors and Architects’, documenting the lives of the most prominent Italian Renaissance artists including Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo and Titian. The book was a revolutionary analysis of artists that helped shape the foundations of art history.
The Divine Comedy’s three-part story narrates a pilgrimage through hell, purgatory and finally, paradise. Federico Zuccari’s detailed sketches reflect this format and are shown in a three-part series mirroring these themes.
A multitude of events honouring the 700th anniversary of Dante’s death are set to continue across Italy throughout 2021, taking place in 70 towns and villages all symbolically linked in one way or other to the life and works of the influential poet. Stay tuned for more details on this series in the next feature on The Notebook.
We look forward to welcoming guests back to Hotel Savoy in Florence soon.
Do join our Rocco Forte Friends programme in the meantime to enjoy exclusive benefits to inspire your next adventure.
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