Galleria d'Arte Antica
Museum | Udine | Friuli-Venezia Giulia | Italy
The Galleria d'Arte Antica in Udine is a significant art museum located in the historic Castello di Udine. The collection includes works from the 14th to the 19th century and offers a comprehensive insight into the art history of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region.
History and Development:
The gallery was founded in 1866 to gather local artworks from churches, houses, and palaces in the surrounding area and make them accessible to the public. Over the years, the collection has been expanded through purchases and donations, now encompassing a variety of paintings, frescoes, and sculptures.
Collection and Exhibitions:
The Galleria d'Arte Antica spans 13 rooms on the first floor of the castle, presenting works chronologically. Outstanding pieces include:
"Crucifixion" by Andrea Bellunello: A significant work from the 15th century depicting the dramatic representation of the crucifixion of Christ.
"Christ with the Symbols of the Passion" by Vittore Carpaccio: A late 15th-century painting symbolically representing the Passion of Christ.
"The Last Supper" by Pomponio Amalteo: A 16th-century work vividly capturing the biblical scene of the last supper.
"Saint Mark Places Udine under the Protection of Saint Hermagoras" by Palma il Giovane: A monumental painting from 1595 depicting the city of Udine under the protection of Saint Hermagoras.
Self-portraits by Sebastiano Bombelli: 17th-century works portraying the Venetian painter in various poses.
"The Guardian Angel" by Giambattista Tiepolo: An 18th-century painting showing the delicate representation of a guardian angel.
A special highlight is the "Salone del Parlamento", the grand assembly hall of the castle adorned with frescoes by Pomponio Amalteo and Gian Battista Grassi, offering insights into the political history of the region.
Additional Collections:
In addition to paintings, the gallery also houses an extensive collection of drawings and prints, mainly featuring Venetian artists from the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as Friulian artists from the 19th century. This includes works by artists such as Palma il Giovane, Nicolò Bambini, Gian Antonio Guardi, and Giambattista Tiepolo.
Therefore, the Galleria d'Arte Antica in Udine is a significant center for art lovers, providing a deep insight into the artistic development of the region over several centuries.
