‘The Greatness of the Universe’ in the Art of Giovanna Garzoni

While many museums are shuttered due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Apollo’s usual weekly pick of exhibitions will include shows at institutions that are now reopening as well as digital projects providing virtual access to art and culture.

After the easing of lockdown measures in Italy, the Pitti Palace in Florence has reopened with a landmark exhibition on the art of Giovanna Garzoni, originally meant to open on 8 March (International Women’s Day). This is the first major survey devoted to the 17th-century artist, who was acclaimed in her lifetime for her meticulous still lifes and botanical illustrations. There are some 100 works included, ranging from these small works in tempera on parchment to portraits and mythological scenes, presented alongside historic artefacts that conjure the world Garzoni depicts. Find out more about the exhibition, which runs from 28 May–28 June, on the Uffizi Galleries website.

Preview below | View Apollo’s Art Diary here

Self-portrait as Apollo (c. 1618–20), Giovanna Garzoni. Palazzo del Quirinale, Rome

Plate of Fava Beans with a Carnation (c. 1655–62), Giovanna Garzoli. Gallerie degli Uffizi, Florence

Hyacinth with Four Cherries, a Lizard, and an Artichoke (c. 1648), Giovanna Garzoni. Gallerie degli Uffizi, Florence

Chinese Cup with Figs, Cherries and Goldfinch (c. 1655–62), Giovanna Garzoni. Gallerie degli Uffizi, Florence

Chinese Vase with Tulips, Anemones, Daffodils, a Hyacinth, and a Calendula, with Two Plums and Two Pea Pods (c. 1650–1655), Giovanna Garzoni. Gallerie degli Uffizi, Florence