The Uffizi Gallery, or Galleria degli Uffizi, in Piazza della Signoria is one of the oldest and most famous art museums in Europe and the world. Originally begun under Vasari for Cosimo I de' Medici in 1560, its name comes from the Italian word for “offices”, as that is what the building was intended to house when it was first constructed.
More and more space was dedicated to the display of artworks over time until that became its primary function and then, in the sixteenth century, access was granted to visitors who requested it. In 1765, it was officially opened to public access and, today, it is one of the world's best known and most beloved art galleries. It houses works by many famous artists from all over the world but one of the highlights has to be the work of Titian.
More and more space was dedicated to the display of artworks over time until that became its primary function and then, in the sixteenth century, access was granted to visitors who requested it. In 1765, it was officially opened to public access and, today, it is one of the world's best known and most beloved art galleries. It houses works by many famous artists from all over the world but one of the highlights has to be the work of Titian.
Titian is one of the greatest artists to have ever existed and his “Venus of Urbino” is a true masterpiece. It was completed in 1538 for the Duke of Urbino Guidobaldo II Della Rovere, as a gift from the Duke to his young wife. It represents the allegory of marriage and was a “teaching” model for her on eroticism, fidelity and motherhood. The dog at the feet of the woman is the symbol of marital fidelity and the maid looking down at the young girl as she rummages in a chest symbolises motherhood.
The iconic pose of the Venus, meanwhile, is a clear tribute to his friend and master Giorgione, who had painted a very similar image in 1510, the Sleeping Venus. However, the two images, though similar, are rather different. Giorgione's Venus was idealised and place in an outdoor setting. She was presented as a goddess. Titian's Venus has relocated to a rather more real and intimate, indoor setting. She looks out of the image, directly at the viewer with a coquettish air. His Venus is not the demure and unattainable goddess but a more tempting, flesh-and-blood figure, which makes sense, as the image was created to celebrate a wedding and the marital love between a man and wife.
While she is a more realistic figure, however, Titian's Venus is still a beauty and the whole image is lovely, making use of rich colours, delicate chiaroscuro, carefully rendered textures and a wonderful balance of curves throughout. For art-lovers visiting Tuscany or the Uffizi, specifically, this work really is a must-see. Just find a luxury villa in Florence and pay a visit.
The iconic pose of the Venus, meanwhile, is a clear tribute to his friend and master Giorgione, who had painted a very similar image in 1510, the Sleeping Venus. However, the two images, though similar, are rather different. Giorgione's Venus was idealised and place in an outdoor setting. She was presented as a goddess. Titian's Venus has relocated to a rather more real and intimate, indoor setting. She looks out of the image, directly at the viewer with a coquettish air. His Venus is not the demure and unattainable goddess but a more tempting, flesh-and-blood figure, which makes sense, as the image was created to celebrate a wedding and the marital love between a man and wife.
While she is a more realistic figure, however, Titian's Venus is still a beauty and the whole image is lovely, making use of rich colours, delicate chiaroscuro, carefully rendered textures and a wonderful balance of curves throughout. For art-lovers visiting Tuscany or the Uffizi, specifically, this work really is a must-see. Just find a luxury villa in Florence and pay a visit.