The common wisdom is that by the seventeenth century Florence, Italy, was past its prime as an artistic center. But a new exhibition at the museum shows a different perspective. “Beyond the Medici: The Haukohl Family Collection” features selections from an art collection assembled over more than 40 years by Sir Mark Fehrs Haukohl, an art collector and cofounder of the Medici Archive Project.
During the High Renaissance, Florence was an important center for the arts fueled by the powerful Medici family of bankers and politicians, who served as patrons for many artists. The Medici continued to commission art during the baroque era that followed the Renaissance, beginning in the late sixteenth century – a fact that is lesser known. Over the years, art history has paid more attention to large and famous groups of artists. Haukohl’s focus on the Florentine baroque is interesting because it sheds light on a neglected era. During this time, artists developed a style that is both sensuous and deeply religious, poetic and classical, exuberant and restrained.
“Beyond the Medici” offers a unique opportunity for UGA students and the wider community to experience these works of art, with many programs that illuminate them: a Family Day, a life-drawing program, baroque music and more.
“Beyond the Medici” was organized by Sir Mark Fehrs Haukohl with the generous support of the Haukohl Philanthropies.