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| The famous painting on the ceiling of the house of Mr. Giorgio Vasari in Arezzo, Italy: "Allegory of Virtue chasing away Fortune and Envy" (1548) |
Sir Giorgio Vasari (1511-1574) is one of the most important art scholars of the Renaissance period in Italy. Artist and architect of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, admired by Cosimo I de' Medici, Sir Giorgio wrote a memorable biography of artists. The first edition in 1550 was dedicated to the Duke of Florence.
Giorgio Vasari was born in the city of Arezzo where his residence and gardens are now a State Museum.
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| The triumph of Virtue is sealed by a luxury brooch |
In the main room of Vasari's beautifully painted home in the style of Palazzo Vecchio, where he received his guests, an allegorical fresco on the ceiling reassures us that Virtue wins over everything, even over Fortune, which is subject to unreliable changes. Virtue wins also over the pitfalls of Envy, to whom Virtue is giving a powerful kick while grabbing fortune by the hair.
Virtue for the Renaissance period was the art of doing things well: it was a specific gift acknowledged to artists, whose destiny was subject both to envy and fortune. Virtue is the only allegory provided with wings that make her fly towards the horizons of eternity. Virtue is also carrying a sledgehammer in her hands, so be aware she is tough, her laurels give her much power. What is missing in this painting is Virtue's triumph and this is the last step of Virtue's endeavor.
Giorgio Vasari himself was the author of this allegory and this painting is an invitation to be fearless, to believe in our gifts, and take risks: in the end, it's all good!
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| Brooches in the Renaissance were a symbol of virtuosity |
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| A Cameo from the Piccolomini Library in the Cathedral of Siena, Italy by artist Pinturicchio, the artist of details. |
Curiosity: take the time to look for details in Renaissance paintings. When you see a brooch both on men and women it means it is a virtuous person. Brooches on hats are the most interesting ones!
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