The collections of gems: Cameos and carvings of the Medici at the Museum of the Argenti in Florence

from March 25 to June 27, 2010

In the Renaissance the collection was an activity that characterized him in the rediscovery of the ancient.
Cameos and carvings were eagerly sought by Popes, Cardinals and Princes sparking bitter conflict between lovers, raising the figures to win the desired part.

Why was so used to collecting cameos.

The fashion for collecting gems and carvings were also given the difficulty of engraving and precious gems that had need of other very expensive and rare and fatal errors being put to the test the work of months or even years.

Were also attributed to the special magical powers and mysterious carvings below the material used and the subject depicted. Finally, objects were very well transportable and valuable, so as to become a wonderful gift for famous people, but also a capital to draw on in times of difficulty.

The collection of the Medici

Since the '400 Doctors developed a special fondness for the engravings on precious stones and precious collections in one of the most famous collections of history for all generations of the family that grew over the centuries the amount of gems.

The Show

The exhibition will be shown the complex history of this collection, starting from this treasure of those who constitute Cosimo, Piero and Lorenzo de 'Medici in particular. It accords a prominent place in regulated and cameos and carvings, as the sample called prestigious "Seal of Nero" a beautiful carnelian with Apollo and Marsyas celebrated by a large number of writers and artists.

Some of the authors of gauzy depictions carved in gems Medici: Lorenzo Ghiberti, Donatello, and Sandro Botticelli have produced a wide variety of books, manuscripts, medals, drawings, paintings and sculptures to demonstrate the great fortune of specimens held by doctors. Even Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo drew elements derived from the engraved stones are completely new.

In the Medici gems is observed recovery of a sense of balance and measure the characteristic of classical proportions.

Ticket

The admission fee which includes the Silver Museum, the Boboli Gardens, the museum of porcelain, the Bardini Garden and Costume Gallery at Palazzo Pitti, costs 10 €.
For EU citizens between 18 and 25 years reduced the ticket is 5 €
While EU citizens are 18 and over 65 years is free.

Schedules, reservations and closing

Hours: Monday-Sunday
8:15 to 18:30 in April, May
8:15 to 19:30 in June

Closed: every first and last Mondays of the month
The ticket office closes one hour before the museum

For information and reservations:
Florence Museums
055. 2654321
The reservation for school groups is free and compulsory
www.unannoadarte.it