This exhibition, showcasing four family portraits of the first two Grand Dukes of Tuscany from the Gallerie degli Uffizi in the nobile halls of Scarperia's Palazzo dei Vicari, sets out to evoke the lengthy and widespread presence of the Medici in the country and towns of the Mugello, the family's legendary homeland. In the mid-15th century the Medici owned a large number of estates in the Mugello, having focused their economic interests in this area marking the border between Romagna and Tuscany as far back as the mid-13th century. The first acquisitions made by Averardo de' Medici in 1260-4 were followed by those of Giovanni di Bicci which included the manor of Trebbio, and from that moment on their estates grew in number until they purchased Cafaggiolo in 1443. The conversion of Trebbio and Cafaggiolo into "pleasaunces", a task that Cosimo the Elder entrusted to the architect Michelozzo di Bartolomeo, confirmed the family's economic interests and their indefatigable passion for hunting in the extensive wooded area lying between the two abodes. Cosimo de' Medici spent his adolescent years in the castle-like Villa of Trebbio before becoming Duke of Florence, whilst in the early years of his rule he and his wife Eleonora di Toledo were frequently to be found at either Trebbio or Cafaggiolo in the summer months. Under Francesco I grand ducal interest shifted, retracing the path joining the Mugello to Florence in a mountainous and impenetrable area purchased in 1568 to host the Villa di Pratolino, with its garden of wonders designed by Bernardo Buontalenti for the Prince, his beloved Bianca Cappello and an endless trail of illustrious guests. Of the four portraits of the noble couples on display in the exhibition in Scarperia, the effigy of Bianca Cappello marks a welcome return to the Mugello because it was originally frescoed in the church of Santa Maria a Olmi in Borgo San Lorenzo, but was detached in 1871 and sent tot the galleries in Florence.
Admission
Full price: € 7 - Concession under 25 / over 65 : € 6 - Concession childre aged 7 to 14 / Adults groups over 15 people : € 5 - School groups (teachers free of charge) : € 4 - Family ticket (2 adults + at least one child aged 6 to 18) : € 14 - Free of charge : children up to age 6, disabled visitors, group leaders, journalists, licenced guides, ICOM members.
Guided tours
(ticket inclueds cost of admission to museum, reservation required) - Adult groups under 15 people : € 12 per person - Over 15 people : € 10 per person - Groups of children aged 7-14 : € 6 - School groups (teachers free of charge) : € 6 - Workshop demonstration (min 10-max 25 people) : € 5
Contacts of the Vicari Palace: 055 8468165 - 353 4364738 / informazioni@prolocoscarperia.it
