Renaissance Master Botticelli: The Exhibition Begins | ART
Over 20 Botticelli Works Gathered in One Place!
Retrospective of Botticelli, Known for "The Birth of Venus," Opens
The "Botticelli Exhibition," focusing on Sandro Botticelli, a master of the Italian Renaissance, has opened on Saturday, January 16, 2016. This comprehensive retrospective, the first of its kind in Japan, brings together over 20 of Botticelli's works, including "Madonna of the Books," which is visiting Japan for the first time.
Text by Aya MIZUHARA
A Comprehensive Look at the Career of a Leading Italian Renaissance Master
The "Botticelli Exhibition" opens at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in Ueno, Tokyo, on Saturday, January 16, 2016.
The exhibition focuses on Sandro Botticelli (1444-1510), a master of the Italian Renaissance, known for masterpieces such as "Primavera" and "The Birth of Venus." This is the first comprehensive retrospective of his work in Japan.
Many of Botticelli's works are painted on wood panels and are extremely delicate, making it difficult for large numbers of them to travel to Japan. However, this exhibition, held to commemorate the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Italy, features over 20 of his works.
The exhibition includes "Madonna of the Books," which is visiting Japan for the first time, "Adoration of the Magi" from the Lami family, an early masterpiece depicting a scene from the Bible, and Botticelli's late masterpiece "Calumny of Apelles," an attempt to recreate a lost work attributed to the renowned ancient Greek painter Apelles. Approximately 80% of the exhibited works are being shown in Japan for the first time. Additionally, works by Filippo Lippi, known as Botticelli's teacher, are included, offering a comprehensive view of Botticelli's artistic journey through approximately 80 works created in Florence, the "City of Flowers," during the 15th century.
Madonna and Child (Madonna of the Books) Sandro Botticelli Museo Poldi Pezzoli, Milan © Milano, Museo Poldi Pezzoli, Foto Malcangi
Saint Augustine in His Study Sandro Botticelli Ognissanti Church, Florence Archivio Fotografico. Opificio delle Pietre Dure di Firenze
Madonna of the Roses Sandro Botticelli Uffizi Gallery, Florence Gabinetto Fotografico del Polo Museale Regionale della Toscana Su concessione del MiBACT. Divieto di ulteriori riproduzioni o duplicazioni con qualsiasi mezzo
Botticelli was a versatile artist who created religious paintings, mythological scenes, and portraits. While artists of his time, such as Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci, moved towards naturalistic expressions using perspective and chiaroscuro, Botticelli maintained a decorative and symbolic style reminiscent of medieval art. This exhibition offers a valuable opportunity to fully experience the unique artistic world of this master painter.
150th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Italy: "Botticelli Exhibition"
Period: Saturday, January 16, 2016 – Sunday, April 3, 2016
Hours: 9:30 – 17:30 (Fridays until 20:00) (Last admission 30 minutes before closing)
Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Special Exhibition Gallery
8-36 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Closed: Mondays, Tuesday, March 22
*However, the museum will be open on Monday, March 21 (public holiday) and Monday, March 28.
Admission: General 1600 yen, Seniors (65+) 1000 yen, University students 1300 yen, High school students 800 yen
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Tel. 03-5777-8600
http://botticelli.jp