“The Golden Way”, an exhibition on the use of gold in works of art

The National Gallery of Umbria and the Veneto Regional Museums Directorate collaborate to create “The Golden Way – La Via dell’Oro”, an exhibition that combines the treasures of the National Gallery of Umbria with those of Italian artistic modernity, exploring the theme of gold as a trans-historical element in art. Located in the prestigious Giorgio Franchetti Gallery at Ca’ d’Oro in Venice, this exhibition will subsequently move to the National Gallery of Umbria in Perugia, creating a cultural bridge between two cities rich in artistic history.

Curated by Alessandra Mammì, Veruska Picchiarelli and Carla Scagliosi, “The Golden Way” proposes a dialogue between the masters of the 14th and 15th centuries and the Italian artists of the second half of the 20th century, examining the use of gold in works of art such as connection between sacred and profane, between physical and metaphysical. The exhibition explores how gold, used since medieval times for its qualities that evoke transcendent space, finds a contemporary parallel in modern art, where artists such as Lucio Fontana and Michelangelo Pistoletto use reflective materials to explore new dimensions of perception visual and spiritual.

Each work on display is an illustration of the way artists of different eras have manipulated gold not only for its visual impact, but also as a means of philosophical and spiritual inquiry. For example, the luminous back of the “Madonna and Child” by Duccio di Boninsegna shines with new light next to the “Concetto Spaziale” by Lucio Fontana, where the cut in the canvas literally opens a new space, a portal towards a different understanding of the divine and of the cosmos. These parallels show how the dialogue between ancient and contemporary can enrich our understanding of the works, suggesting continuity and innovation in the use of materials and symbols.

The exhibition takes place in conjunction with the 60th Venice International Art Exhibition, offering a rich and stimulating context for visitors and scholars. Venice, with its history of opulence and its golden mosaics, together with the splendid architecture of the Ca’ d’Oro, provide a visually fascinating and historically relevant context for exploring these themes.

Furthermore, the exhibition is supported by a richly illustrated catalog published by Silvana Editoriale, with contributions from the curators themselves and other experts such as Alessandro Vanoli. This volume not only serves as a companion to the exhibition, but also as an enduring resource for the appreciation and study of art through the ages.

“The Golden Way – La Via dell’Oro” represents a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty and complexity of art, discovering how gold, an element as ancient as it is modern, continues to serve as a bridge between eras , inviting deeper reflections on nature and transcendence.