Renaissance masterpieces in Fermo: exhibition on Adriatic culture at Palazzo dei Priori

Fermo celebrates its artistic heritage with the exhibition Renaissance in Fermo, a journey through the Adriatic Renaissance that pays tribute to one of the most fascinating periods in the city’s thousand-year history. The exhibition, open to the public from December 31, 2024 until May 4, 2025, is held at del Palazzo dei Priori and is curated by Vittorio Sgarbi and Walter Scotucci.

The exhibition, which is presented as a “work in progress,” will be gradually enriched with new works from the end of January 2025, turning into a continuous homage to the territory and its heritage. This dynamic approach aims not only to amaze visitors, but also to stimulate further studies on a period that is still little explored and, at the same time, extremely rich in suggestions: the 16th century in Fermo. The exhibition is promoted by the Municipality of Fermo with the contribution of the Marche Region, Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Fermo, partner Mus-e del Fermano and in collaboration with Sinopia. The organization is entrusted to Maggioli Culture and Tourism.

An Adriatic Renaissance to be discovered

The exhibition offers an in-depth look at the Adriatic Renaissance, which shaped the artistic identity of this region. Prominent names such as Carlo and Vittore Crivelli, Lorenzo Lotto, Vincenzo Pagani, Antonio Solario, Giuliano da Fano, Giulio Romano, and Antoniazzo Romano stand out among the protagonists on display. These artists, active between the late 15th and 16th centuries, testify to the importance of the city of Fermo as a cultural and artistic crossroads during that period.

Special attention is given to Vincenzo Pagani, a leading figure of the 16th century in Fermo, and Lorenzo Lotto, whose presence in Fermo is intertwined with that of architect Antonio da Sangallo the Younger, author of significant urban interventions in the city. “The elite of Fermo’s ’Adriatic’ renaissance society,” Vittorio Sgarbi points out, “produced a great rebirth in the sign of classicism, with a truly rich mobile artistic heritage of sparkling evidence.”

A dispersed heritage, a memory to be reconstructed

Renaissance in Fermo not only celebrates the existing heritage, but invites reflection on what has been lost over the centuries. The dispersion of works of art belonging to Fermo’s private collections, as well as sculptures, illuminated manuscripts and precious goldsmithing artifacts, has impoverished the local heritage. These losses are often attributable to requisitions, sales, wartime events, or simply the wear and tear of time. “Among the serious shortcomings of Fermo’s current historical artistic and architectural heritage,” Walter Scotucci points out, “is that of Giovanni Pagani’s 1513 altarpiece for themain altar of the church of San Rocco in Piazza del Popolo, the work by Olivuccio di Ciccarello and the panel painting by Fra’ Fabiano da Urbino, now in Brera and another very important one by Lorenzo Lotto dated 1535, replaced by a nineteenth-century copy of good workmanship.”

Nevertheless, the exhibition offers an opportunity to imagine the cultural grandeur of Fermo during the Renaissance, proposing a dialogue between present and absent works, ideally reconstructing the historical and artistic context of the time.

To enrich the exhibition itinerary, an immersive video transports visitors on a journey through clouds, angels and cherubs, enveloped in an explosion of colors. This multimedia installation not only complements the visual experience, but also invites visitors to emotionally immerse themselves in the world of Renaissance art.

Practical information

The exhibition includes a single ticket that includes access to the city’s museum circuit and the current “Steve McCurry - Children” photography exhibition at a cost of 9 euros. Reduced (7 euros) for young people aged 14 to 25, groups (more than 15 people), FAI, Touring Club and Italia Nostra members. Free for under 13, disabled, ICOM members and journalists with badges. Visitors can purchase tickets online at the official website www.fermomusei.it or contact the Fermo Museums directly for more information.

The exhibition opens Tuesday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., closed Mondays. Special openings planned for events and holidays.

Renaissance masterpieces in Fermo: exhibition on Adriatic culture at Palazzo dei Priori

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