Exhibition Rediscovering Giovan Battista Foggini Opens at Palazzo Medici Riccardi
The Palazzo Medici Riccardi in Florence is hosting a new exhibition called 'Giovan Battista Foggini (1652-1725). Architetto e scultore granducale', which highlights the work of Baroque sculptor and architect Foggini during the reign of Grand Duke Cosimo III. Foggini, born in Florence in 1652, received his training from his uncle and attended the Florentine Academy in Rome. The exhibit showcases various thematic sections featuring his creations in marble, bronze, and terracotta, including significant works such as 'Il mito di Pigmalione' (1673) and 'Strage dei figli di Niobe' (1674). Among the Medici's commissions were eight marble busts, with two currently exhibited. Additionally, Foggini designed a staircase for Francesco Riccardi and restored the Feroni Chapel in 1693.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Giovan Battista Foggini (1652-1725). Architetto e scultore granducale' at Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence.
- Foggini was a Baroque sculptor and architect under Grand Duke Cosimo III de' Medici.
- He trained in Rome at the Florentine Academy under Ercole Ferrata and Ciro Ferri.
- Works include bronze sculptures 'Il mito di Pigmalione' (1673) and 'Strage dei figli di Niobe' (1674).
- He created eight marble portrait busts for the Medici; two are in the exhibition.
- Louis XIV commissioned replicas of Medici sculptures, including 'L'Arrotino' and 'Il Cinghiale'.
- Porcelain reproductions by the Doccia manufactory are on display.
- As an architect, he designed the monumental staircase for Francesco Riccardi, saving Benozzo Gozzoli's chapel.
- Exhibition includes sketches for Palazzo Viviani facade and Villa Corsini at Castello.
- Complementary visits to Feroni Chapel (restored 1693) and Corsini Chapel (plaster works 1676-1683).
Entities
Artists
- Giovan Battista Foggini
- Jacopo Maria Foggini
- Ercole Ferrata
- Ciro Ferri
- Gian Lorenzo Bernini
- Benozzo Gozzoli
- Ovid
Institutions
- Palazzo Medici Riccardi
- Florentine Academy in Rome
- Palazzo Madama
- Accademia di San Luca
- Medici family
- Doccia manufactory
- Basilica della Santissima Annunziata
- Carmine church
Locations
- Florence
- Italy
- Rome
- Paris
- France
- Castello
- Palazzo Viviani
- Villa Corsini