Uffizi acquires 43 drawings by Massimiliano Soldani Benzi, a leading exponent of late Tuscan Baroque

The Uffizi Galleries are acquiring for the Cabinet of Drawings and Prints an important nucleus of drawings by Massimiliano Soldani Benzi (Montevarchi, 1656 - Galatrona di Montevarchi, 1740), a leading exponent of the late Florentine Baroque, whose works, at the time when he was at the height of his success, were in great demand in different parts of Europe. Some of the drawings acquired by the Uffizi are studies for works the artist produced between 1680 and 1692 for the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Cosimo III, and his son, Grand Prince Ferdinando de’ Medici.

Soldani Benzi was active as a sculptor and as a medallist: he studied in Paris and Rome but soon returned to Florence where he was appointed “master of coinage and keeper of the Mint” by the grand duke, a role Soldani Benzi continued to hold for forty years. There are dozens of medal specimens bearing his signature. He is therefore considered the greatest Tuscan medallist of his time, and together with Giovanni Battista Foggini (Florence, 1652 - 1725) the best bronze sculptor of the period.

“Thanks to this spectacular acquisition,” said Uffizi Director Eike D. Schmidt, “the Uffizi brings back to Italy a series of very important drawings, exported to France in the late 1700s by the descendants of Louis Sieries, French director of the Gallery of Pietre dure works in Florence. Many of the drawings are preparatory for works preserved in the Pitti Palace.” An exhibition is now planned for the drawings that will feature precisely bronze sculpture in the late stages of the Medici grand duchy.

Pictured: one of Massimiliano Soldani Benzi’s drawings acquired by the Uffizi.

Uffizi acquires 43 drawings by Massimiliano Soldani Benzi, a leading exponent of late Tuscan Baroque

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