New Uffizi Gallery Room Pairs Raphael and Michelangelo, Sparks Debate
The Uffizi Gallery in Florence has inaugurated a new room that brings together masterpieces by Raphael and Michelangelo, including Raphael's 'Madonna of the Goldfinch' and Michelangelo's 'Doni Tondo'. The installation, conceived by director Eike Schmidt and architect Nicola Santini, replaces a previous display and emphasizes dialogue between artists and patrons. The 'Doni Tondo' is now set in a deep circular niche, which has drawn criticism for resembling a washing machine porthole, sparking online memes and debate about museum display practices. The room also features works by Fra' Bartolomeo, Perugino, and others, and involves a reconfiguration of the Palatina Gallery.
Key facts
- New room at Uffizi Gallery pairs Raphael and Michelangelo works.
- Raphael's 'Madonna of the Goldfinch' moved from a passageway to the new room.
- Michelangelo's 'Doni Tondo' placed in a deep circular niche, criticized as resembling a washing machine.
- Director Eike Schmidt led the installation with architect Nicola Santini.
- Room includes ten works by Raphael, including portraits of Guidobaldo da Montefeltro and Elisabetta Gonzaga.
- Fra' Bartolomeo's works included to highlight his relationship with Raphael.
- Palatina Gallery loses Doni portraits but gains three Raphael works from Uffizi.
- Online memes mock the 'Doni Tondo' display as a washing machine.
- Installation aims to foster dialogue between artists and patrons.
- Room color changed from cardinal red to light gray.
Entities
Artists
- Raffaello Sanzio
- Michelangelo Buonarroti
- Fra' Bartolomeo
- Perugino
- Francesco Salviati
- Tiziano Vecellio
- Anish Kapoor
- Antonio Godoli
- Nicola Santini
- Helga Marsala
Institutions
- Uffizi Gallery
- Galleria Palatina
- Palazzo Pitti
- Opificio delle Pietre Dure
- Artribune
- Turismo Italia News
Locations
- Florence
- Italy
- Uffizi Gallery
- Palazzo Pitti
- Galleria Palatina