Ooh, Ooh Uffizi

Completely sated from my delicious lunch at ZAZA, I dashed off to the Galleria degli Uffizi.  

The Uffizi houses a variety of schools of Florentine painting as well as Venetian, German, and Flemish art.

Galleria degli Uffizi

Most people love the Impressionists.  What’s not to love about Monet, Manet, Pissarro, Renoir, Gauguin, Degas, Cezanne or Van Gogh? Who doesn’t get a little weak in the knees when viewing Monet’s Water Lilies? Or Renoir’s Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette? My bedroom had numerous Degas ballerinas decorating my walls when I was a little girl.

However, when people view Byzantine art they get an instant reaction. You either love it or hate it.  The paintings have always held special place in my heart. 

I like the innocent quality they have.  The lack of real perspective is one of its charms.  At least to me.  Besides, who wouldn’t like to be portrayed with a golden halo above one’s head?

The Annunciation by Simone Martini

After picking up an audio set, I went directly to the 2^nd floor and inhaled art from the 12^th century, Byzantine and Venetian art. Two of my favorites are Botticelli's  Primavera and Birth of Venus.  I say this tongue in cheek because each painting or sculpture in the museum is like a child of mine.  Each is different and special.  But, I do find myself completely mesmerized by these two.  The audio filled in details, making the artists and the paintings come alive. 

Primavera by Botticelli

Birth of Venus by Botticelli

Every time I visit a museum, I play a silly game.  If I could have any painting in any given room, which would I select?  It’s difficult to pick only one favorite. So, then I changed the rules.  I could pick three.  It didn’t make the choice any easier.  I love them all.  Want them all. Neeeed them all!

Touring European museums is always a little bitter sweet for me. Sweet because of the enjoyment I experience.  But, bitter too, because I know that I will have to leave behind all the art that I cherish.  

I look forward to returning so I can visit Lorenzetti, Giotto, Bernardo Daddi, Ambrogio, Leonardo da Vinci, Ghirlandaio, and Botticelli~  my old friends who I know will be waiting for me.

Venus and Cupid by Alessandro Allori

Annunciation by Leonardo da Vinci

After hours in the Uffizi, I took a break and had a snack on the roof top terrace with views of Palazzo Vecchio, the Campanille and Duomo.  Beautiful art indoors.  Beautiful architecture outdoors.  Talk about eye-candy.  So sweet, so delicious I was sure I was getting a cavity as I devoured all things beautiful in this magnificent city.  Firenze had captured my heart and soul.  I wondered if I did the same to T.F.H.  

I didn't have to wonder for very long. I heard a buzz on my cell phone. A text message from TFH!  I couldn't believe what he wrote.  He said. . .