(Jul. 6) – The cultural ministers of China and Italy signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Promoting Cooperation on Cultural Heritage Protection in Rome in October 2010, in which an important issue is to hold five-year-long exhibitions for exchanging in the national museums of both countries. “Renaissance in Florence: Masterpieces and Protagonists” is the first to be launched by Italy in National Museum of China. Opening tomorrow, it is divided into three parts, namely, “From Initiation of Renaissance to Death of Lorenzo the Magnificent (in 1492)”, “Renaissance in Its Heyday and Protagonists”, and “Masterpieces”, the exhibition showcases the artistic features, urban life and customs of Florence in Renaissance through 67 pieces of paintings, sculptures and handicraft articles. The exhibits are selected from 20-plus museums, art museums and related art collection organizations, for example, Galleria degli Uffizi and Pitti Palace (Galleria Palantina). Most of them date back to the 15th and 16th centuries, including masterpieces by Sandro Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Raffaello Sanzio and Michelangelo and other renowned Italian artists. The exhibition makes it possible for Chinese people to enjoy a journey to Florence in Renaissance without travelling abroad and to deepen their understanding about Italian history and culture. (red)
