In the image: a drawing by Michelangelo.
The State Archives of Florence inaugurated an important exhibition last week, “From Michelangelo to the Contemporary. History of a World Leadership,” dedicated to the Academy of the Arts of Drawing (Accademia delle Arti del Disegno).
The historic institution, founded by Cosimo I de’ Medici and Giorgio Vasari in 1563 in Florence, is celebrating its 451 years to coincide with this year's 450th anniversary of Michelangelo’s death, who was the first artist within the Academy to be awarded the title of “father of the arts” (padre delle arti). Alongside Michelangelo, artists of the caliber of Titian, Tintoretto, Benvenuto Cellini, Bronzino, and even Artemisia Gentileschi - the first woman to be admitted to the Academy – were members.
Through more than 150 works and documents, the public can admire the evolution of drawing as an art, thanks to the works of Michelangelo, as well as later artists, such as Canova, Morandi and De Chirico.
The exhibition closes May 17, 2014.
