Tabernacles of Florence
Via Bufalini corner of Via dei Servi
THE TABERNACLE
Madonna col Bambino
Raising her right arm, the Virgin supports and observes with reverent trepidation the half-naked Child who, in turn, with a screwed pose, turns his head to staring at the Mother. We can perceive veiled feelings of restlessness characterizing the physiognomies of the Mother and the Son.
Tabernacle
The elegant aedicule, consists of a quadrangular tabernacle culminating in a tympanum below which unravels a mixtilinear motif of forms borrowed from Tuscan Mannerism, but also marked by 18h-century-type decoration. This aspect is evident given the fanciful ornamentation below the tympanum. A protome of an angel is carved under the painting's frame.
THE STREET
VIA BUFALINI
Named after the Cesena physician, among the most distinguished clinicians of the 19th century, who was a senator in Florence in 1860. It was formerly called “Via Santo Gilio”, later “Via dei Cresci”, because this family had a palace there, running along the second circle of walls, not far from Porta di Balla (near today's Via dei Servi). The current dedication dates back to 1875. In the 15th century, the northern part of this street was occupied by a cemetery attached to the Hospital of Santa Maria Nuova. Today it is occupied on almost the entire north side by the historic headquarters of the Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze.
AUTHOR
Florentine Painter
(mid-19th century) The loveliness of the Madonna's physiognomy and the uncommon quality of the painting, supported by good drawing, reveal the hand of a discreet painter, informed by the academic modes of the first half of the 19th century.
The artist
(mid-19th century) However, the purist and neo-Renaissance elements are run through by a Romantic vein, if it is possible to discern in the figures a certainly undisguised Raphaelism. One presumes a date around the sixth decade of the 19th century, for the execution of the painting traversed by eclectic elements.
Curiosity
A careful restoration has given back to the image the delicate colorism - perhaps to a greater degree, considering the natural consumption of the painted surface - that must have characterized its original condition.
OTHER INFORMATION
Info
AMICI DEI MUSEI FIORENTINI ODV - COMITATO PER IL DECORO E IL RESTAURO DEI TABERNACOLI - Card by Bruno Santi - Restorer: R.A.M., Florence (1998) - Director of works: Litta Medri - Funding: Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze
PICTURES
Tabernacle
Via Bufalini corner of Via dei Servi
Tabernacle
Via Bufalini corner of Via dei Servi
Tabernacle
Via Bufalini corner of Via dei Servi
