Montelupo pottery compared with Uffizi works in an exhibition

For the first time, the Terre degli Uffizi project is coming to Montelupo Fiorentino , where the exhibition La ceramica di Montelupo e gli Uffizi: una “galleria” di confronto is being held from April 1 to October 1 at the Museo della Ceramica di Montelupo. It is the first of six exhibitions in the 2023 exhibition program, promoted by Fondazione CR Firenze and Gallerie degli Uffizi, as part of their respective projects Piccoli Grandi Musei and Uffizi Diffusi.

Since the late thirteenth century, Montelupo stood out for its ceramics, as documented by the astonishing amount of majolica found in archaeological excavations within this medieval village and at sites ranging from the Mediterranean to the Americas to Japan. In its heyday, between the mid-15th and mid-16th centuries, the wares of the master potters of the so-called “factory of Florence” were in demand by noble Florentine families, such as the Medici family. Prominent among the many examples are plates with the papal coat of arms of Leo X, portrayed by Bronzino and on loan to the exhibition from the Uffizi Galleries. The comparison of the splendid miniature and the ceramics with the Medici coats of arms is clear evidence of the close patronage ties that bound the Montelupo workshops to the lords of Florence.

Montelupo pottery was also a protagonist of everyday life, as evidenced by those paintings depicting domestic settings (such as kitchens and pantries), whose fortunes span the entire 17th century. This is the case with the painting by Jacopo Chimenti, known as l’Empoli, in which two ceramics whose shape and decoration refer to typical Montelupese productions are recognizable. In this case, a selection of apothecary vessels, plates and mugs are juxtaposed not only with the majolica depicted, but also with others with subjects referable to the abundance of the table and the products of hunting. All the ceramics on display come from excavations carried out in Montelupo Fiorentino over the past fifty years.

"We are pleased to launch the third edition of Terre degli Uffizi," says CR Florence Foundation President Luigi Salvadori, “with a ’new entry’ like Montelupo and its beautiful museum. It is an opportunity to enhance a place and a collection of great quality that deserve to be appreciated and, in many cases, discovered. After all, this is one of the aims of the project, which was also created to decentralize tourist flows and increase attendance at venues less known to the general public. The results of the first two editions proved us right, and we are certain that this exhibition will also be a great success.”

“This exhibition,” stresses Uffizi Director Eike D. Schmidt, “represents an important step forward in studies: for example, the recognition of a Montelupo ceramic in the Empoli Still Life by Lorenza Camin, director of the Museum, shows how the eye of the art historian and connoisseur can still offer new interpretations on the works and the artists who executed them. And the bond between the city and the Uffizi is strengthened, as we wait for the Villa dell’Ambrogiana to soon return as the setting for a new museum reality-the only destiny it deserves.”

“Today we inaugurate an exhibition thanks to which Montelupo will have the opportunity to be at the center of attention of cultural and tourist flows in the coming months. In a period of high visitor attendance,” says Montelupo Mayor Paolo Masetti. "I would like to emphasize the political value of this operation. The operation of Terre degli Uffizi has the merit of relocating tourism and turning the spotlight on a perculinary reality such as that of Montelupo Fiorentino and highlighting the deep ties between our city and Florence and the Medici in particular. A history that is reaffirmed daily by the imposing bulk of the Villa dell’Ambrogiana, part of the farms owned by the Medici, the only one with a landing on the river, renovated and enlarged at the behest of Cosimo III. It is an operation that brings together different entities, private ones such as the Fondazione CR Firenze, the Montelupo Museum Foundation, state ones such as Le Gallerie degli Uffizi, and local ones, such as the Municipality. A communion of intentions that starts from afar and has led us today to inaugurate this prestigious exhibition."

The project is also realized thanks to the collaboration with Unicoop Firenze.

Montelupo pottery compared with Uffizi works in an exhibition

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