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Mar.6,2005 -Mar.13,2005 |
Renaissance art in Ottawa
16th-century masterpieces on display May 29
By Francesco Riondino
Originally Published: 2005-02-27
Are you among the millions who were engrossed by The Da Vinci Code?
If the answer is yes, you should begin planning a trip to Ottawa for this summer. On May 29, in fact, the National Gallery of Canada will open Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo and the Renaissance in Florence. This unique exhibition presents the first half of the 16th century from the studies of the two great masters to the comeback of classical painting embodied by Giorgio Vasari, a mediocre painter according to curator David Franklin, who became famous as the first true art historian.
The exhibition marks the 125th anniversary of the National Gallery, and was organized, after five years of study and hard work, thanks in part to the assistance of Bell Canada, also founded 125 years ago.
"The exhibition on the Renaissance," explained Gallery director Pierre Théberge during a meeting with the press in Toronto, "is but the apex of a series of initiatives organized in celebration of our anniversary, and represents an important milestone in the history of the National Gallery."
Dr. Franklin managed to obtain co-operation from museums and galleries all over the world, including the prestigious Galleria degli Uffizi in Florence.
The exhibition follows the artistic history of Florentine Renaissance between 1500 and 1550, when Vasari decreed the end of the "fever of experimentation" born in the early years of the century.
The role of the National Gallery of Canada's cultural landscape is not limited to Ottawa's city limits; with its travelling exhibitions, in fact, it reaches dozens of cities, small and big, across the country and even abroad. However, in order to pursue its mission, the museum needs funds, so the gallery's Foundation has organized for the day before the opening (Saturday, May 28) a "Renaissance Ball," aiming to raise $1 million.
Foundation Chair Thomas D'Aquino, president and CEO of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives, was active in the organization of the ball, as was another prominent Italian Canadian, Domenic D'Alessandro, president and CEO of Manulife.
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