Uffizi Gallery

Uffizi is one of the main art galleries in Florence. It was built in 1581 with the purpose of being a building for meetings of bureaucrats. The building is two floors, with 45 rooms total. The paintings embody times ranging from the 1200's to the present and other European regions besides Italy. The Uffizi website with a full list of rooms can be found at: http://www.uffizi.com/painting-collection-rooms-uffizi-gallery.asp 
Two of the more well-known artists that have work displayed there are Leonardo da Vinci and Michaelangelo.

One of Leonardo da Vinci's works at the Uffizi is The Anunciation. On the left side of the painting there is an angel holding a flower. This flower is known as a Madonna lily, which is a symbol of Mary's virginity. The angel's wings are supposively based on a bird in flight. The woman in the picture is Maria (or Mary). On the marble table in front of her, there is a Bible. The painting represents the following passage in the Bible: "The angel came in unto (Mary), and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus." (Luke 1: 28-31).

More information about this painting can be found at: http://www.lairweb.org.nz/leonardo/annunciation.html

Michaelangelo's work that is displayed at the Uffizi Gallery is Doni Tondo. It is also called The Holy Family. Those present in the painting are Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in the front. John the Baptist is to the right behind Joseph. Finally, there are five "ambiguous" nude males in the background, which is up to interpretation on why they are included. The painting is one of three panel paintings that has survived to be displayed, along with the only one that has been completely finished. It is displayed in its original frame at the Uffizi, which is important because of it's unique round shape. "Tondo" means round frame and was a popular technique during the Renaissance.

More information about this painting can be found at: http://allart.biz/photos/image/Michelangelo_5_Doni_Tondo.html

Post by Kim Kraska