Exhibitions
Arezzo, 7 May 2024 – A exhibition itinerary to retrace the connection between the Vasari family and the ancient Arezzo factoriesstarting from the potter profession practiced by the grandfather of the most famous Giorgio, Giorgio di Lazzaro Taldi.
It opens on Wednesday 12th June 4.30pm National Archaeological Museum ‘Gaio Cilnio Mecenate’ of Arezzo (via Margaritone 10) the exhibition “THE Vasari “potters” and ancient Arezzo ceramic production” edited by Maria Gatto. Thus the complex program continues celebratory events of “Arezzo. The city of Vasari”which until February 2025 will pay homage to the Arezzo master on the occasion of the 450th anniversary of his death, promoted by Municipality of Arezzo and CR Firenze Foundation with Guido D’Arezzo Foundationin collaboration with Regional Directorate of National Museums of Tuscany of the Ministry of Culture, Uffizi Galleries, with the curatorship of the scientific committee chaired by Carlo Sisi.
The National Archaeological Museum of Arezzo participates in the celebrations by telling in this exhibition, through literary references, documents and finds, the links of the author of the Lives with the antiquities of his land. Among these, the Arezzo vases and the Chimeravery high quality products of local craftsmanship refined in technique and cultured in iconographic inspirations in which Vasari recognized the expression of Etruscan manner. The first stage of the exhibition allows you to enter the world of Arretina vasa and to appreciate them by adopting Vasari’s perspective.
These table ceramics typical of Roman Arezzo and of extraordinary fortune in ancient times constitute part of our Giorgio’s experience in two respects: on the one hand – like the Arezzo people of all times – he is a direct and admired witness of continuous discoveries in the many city construction sites; on the other hand he has some beautiful red vases, a knowledge mediated by family memories, which he brings back to us.
The exhibition, full of ideas and references, explains the origin of the name “Vasari” and tells, paraphrasing a passage from the Life of his ancestor Lazzaro, the extraordinary events of his grandfather Giorgio di Lazzaro, “vasaro” and archaeologist ante litteram, as well as responsible – thanks to the Arezzo vases – for a first precious contact with the Medici family. The exhibition ends with an invitation to search in Vasari’s paintings for references to the rich iconographic repertoire attested to on the coral-coloured vases decorated in relief.
A section dedicated to reproductions of the Chimera could not be missing which, due to its technical quality and the inscription on the right front paw, is for Vasari also the most evident example of Etruscan manner, the artistic style of the Etruscans. In addition to in-depth textual and iconographic content, this stage of the exhibition offers a multimedia experience of the Chimera, with a real-size tactile reproduction and holographic projection of the statue in the different phases of the restoration.
“The program of events included in the Vasari year continues with an original and certainly interesting exhibition itinerary. The Archaeological Museum, a very precious reality of the city of Arezzo, participates with its extraordinary collection of arretina vasa, inspiration and object of study of the skilled potter, grandfather of the Renaissance master described in this exhibition. Yet another opportunity for an experience of art and beauty, both for the people of Arezzo and for the many tourists who already flock to the city”. declared the mayor and president of the Guido d’Arezzo Foundation Alessandro Ghinelli.
“We are pleased, as a system of Arezzo state museums, to offer these important scientific and exhibition contributions to the Vasari celebrationsin consideration of the many and close links of our museums with the life and work of the great artist, who influenced the entire sixteenth century with his activity, not only Tuscan – says Stefano Casciu, Regional Director of the National Museums of Tuscany. – With this exhibition at the Archaeological Museum Gaio Cilnio Mecenate begins our journey which develops starting from this original reading of the collections of Arretina vasa in relation to the traditions of the Vasari family. The exhibitions organized at the Casa Vasari Museum and at the National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art will follow in the coming months.”
“The Museum participates in the Vasari celebrations with a curious contribution – underlines the curator Maria Gatto – which highlights little-known aspects of Giorgio Vasari, from the origin of the family name, to the special link with ancient Arezzo ceramic production, up to the first contact with the House of Medici. The exhibition was also an opportunity for an in-depth study of historical-archaeological research, with the reconstruction of the investigations that have taken place over the centuries in the Carcerelle area starting from the first excavations of Giorgio di Lazzaro and with the recovery of information in the archives and materials in the warehouses, in particular from the Gamurrini, Funghini and Gorga collections. The route aimed at adults is accompanied by contents aimed at children, with the kitten Gaio as Messer Giorgio’s gracious guest.”
They will be read at the opening extracts from “Le Vite” edited by Samuele Boncompagnithe exhibition will then open until February 2 2025 from Monday to Saturday 9.00-19.30, Sunday and holidays 9.00-14.00 with entry included in the museum ticket and the first Sunday of the month with free entry 9.00-19.30.
For the next European Archeology Days, Saturday 15 June at 4.30 pm guided tour with curator Maria Gatto included in the entrance ticket (info and reservations: [email protected]).
“Arezzo. The city of Vasari” enjoys the patronage of Ministry of Culturepartner of the initiative State Archives of Arezzo, Diocese of Arezzo, Cortona and Sansepolcro, City Library of Arezzo, Fraternity of the Laity of Arezzo, Arezzo Intour Foundation. Graphic project by Wml design.
INFO
Guido d’Arezzo Foundation
Corso Italia 102 – Arezzo
foundationguidodarezzo.com
www.vasari450.it
