“A May to remember”. It is the phrase that bounces around the upper floors of the InTour Foundation where we are working to bring to the world the image and treasures of a city that celebrates one of his most illustrious sons: Giorgio Vasari. Two previews lead the way to the 450th year since the death of the Renaissance master, a multifaceted artist at the court of Cosimo I de’ Medici with whom he formed a deep friendship. The bibliographic exhibition in the rooms of the Library with a very rare collection of The Lives and information on the origins of the Vasari family, represents the first step to enter the world of the Arezzo artist who designed the Uffizi, Palazzo Vecchio and the famous Vasari Corridor just to mention some of the architectural masterpieces that mark the history of Renaissance Florence. The second “link” in the necklace of rare pearls which will culminate in the great international exhibition at the Contemporary Art Gallery in Piazza San Francesco, is the event at the Archaeological Museum. An exhibition that traces the connection of the Vasari family with the ancient Arezzo manufacturing, starting from the potter’s profession. The same as the artist’s grandfather, Giorgio di Lazzaro Taldi.
The doors of the art treasure chest overlooking the Amphitheater open on Wednesday at the event curated by director Maria Gatto. And the visitor will be able to travel into beauty through literary references, documents and finds. Tools for discovering Vasari’s links with the antiquities of his land. And among these the extraordinary Arezzo vases such as the Chimera.
The first stage of the exhibition allows you to enter the world of the Arretina vasa and appreciate them from the perspective of Giorgio Vasari. So far, one of the strands of the exhibition itinerary which will have another highlight in a handful of days, when the Giostra del Saracino will take place in Piazza Grande. Because the June challenge and the golden spear are dedicated to Vasari. There is another aspect of this special year that launches Arezzo onto the international scene. They are Vasari’s masterpieces kept in the city’s museums and churches: the same ones that attract tourists and art enthusiasts here.
And it also happens that some exhibitors on the occasion of the Birthday Antiques Fair have asked to be able to open the counter in Piazza della Badia precisely to “pop in”, between one customer and another, to admire the recently unveiled works. Galeotta was the Rai broadcast that anticipated its discovery.
And if Vasari brings his city to the world, the family of Brazilian entrepreneurs, owners of an international fashion and leather goods giant, is about to arrive in the city. A successful brand, the name? Arezzo. The upcoming visit follows a desire of entrepreneurs who have been linked to the city for over ten years: to return what the name Arezzo has produced for them in terms of business. An event is being studied at the Contemporary Art Gallery around June 20th, the proceeds of which will be donated to the city. Which in Latin America is synonymous with elegance and style.
