In Palazzo Strozzi in Florence soon there will be an exhibition on Bronzino, Cosimo I de 'Medici court painter, starting September 24th  till January 23rd.

I normally write about exhibitions after I have seen them, but this time is different because I can’t wait to see what they are dedicating to Bronzino. I owe him a lot. I think in fact that I approached and started to be passionate about art thanks to his most famous painting.
My sister Gianna went on holiday in Florence and when she was back home she showed me a postcard that she was particularly fond of (there was no Internet then) with the beautiful portrait of Eleonora da Toledo and her son Giovanni, by Bronzino .
I was a child and for years for me the word Uffizi was connected with Bronzino’s painting. The beautiful and haughty woman that he could represent in such an incredible way emphasizing not only the undeniable beauty of the woman but also highlighting the strength, the political stature and the role she had as Grand Duchess of Tuscany.
Everything underlines the status of Eleonora. First of all, the beautiful dress of brocade mixed with silver textile, then the double strand of pearls, the ornament of the hair, the precious belt that surrounds her waist and the incredible blue background.
How can not be fascinated by all this?

The exhibition that is about to open at the Uffizi promises to show us more about the figure and the ability of Bronzino, about his influence on his contemporaries and on the way to make official portraits.

It will be exciting, I'm sure!