Hello!
Forgive me for getting this post up a little later than I had originally planned.
If you saw my previous Photo Friday, then you’d know that today I’m going to be sharing with you a little more history on the National Gallery of Ancient Art.
Just a short distance from Piazza Barberini, the National Gallery of Ancient Art is located in the heart of Rome. Palazzo Barberini was the grand residence for Pope Urban VIII (1623-1644) and his family. It was designed by Maderno, Borromini, and Bernini who were some of the greatest architects of time. In 1949, the building was purchased by the Italian State to house the current collection.
Established in 1895, through various donations and purchase, the gallery’s collection shares with visitors a chronology of works spanning from the 13th to the 18th century. The oldest work is an exquisite panel from the 12th century called the Madonna Advocata. There are painted crosses representing the 13th century which are then followed by works from the Giotto and Sienese Schools of the 14th century. The Italian painter Filippo Lippi and his paintings stand out among the examples of the 15th century. Raphael’s Fornarina is among the many famous works of the 16th century as well as the paintings of Andrea del Sarto, Piero di Cosimo, Bronzino, Holbein, Lotto, Tintoretto, and El Greco. Students and educators will also see Caravaggio’s masterpiece Judith and Holofernes from the 17th century.
The National Gallery of Ancient Art is home to numerous paintings by important Italian and foreign painters.
The Canaletto’s on display are simply stunning! The detail that went into these famous works does not go unnoticed.
I hope you’re able to see that a visit to the National Gallery of Ancient Art is worthwhile for both students and teachers on their educational tour. It not only offers a glimpse into the art world, but it also shares the history and grandeur of the building where the works are contained.
So if you’re stopping in Rome on your next student tour and have some free time why not suggest a visit to this wonderful museum?! I promise it will not disappoint!
Until next time,
Kate.