Now through December 28th, Palazzo Vecchio in Florence has a new addition. The first monumental sculpture in more than 5 centuries, Jeff Koons’ Pluto and Proserpina stands 11-feet tall and is gilded in a gold-colored stainless steel. This eye-catching piece stands next to Renaissance pieces by Michelangelo and Donatello… both of whom seem to be averting their eyes.
Many native citizens might feel the same way. In a place that houses some of the world’s most important sculptures, you might wonder why it was deemed necessary to place such an ostentatiously provoking piece? Within a city so rich with culture and history, yet not known for contemporary art, the Galleria dell’Accademia (which houses the original “David”) is gearing up for a summer 2016 exhibition where Old Masters (including Michelangelo) are paired up with pieces from 10 contemporary artists. As Florence’s young mayor, Dario Nardella said, the intent was “to start a dialogue between centuries and cultures, to find out what happens…when contemporary art is compared, through a considered judgment and an open mind, to the glorious heritage of the past.”
Personal feelings aside, it’s refreshing to see that the city is vested in creating new inspirations for current and future artists; and for their residents and visitors also. And remember, it’s all temporary!
At the entrance to Galleria dell’Accademia within Palazzo Vecchio, Koons’ 11-foot shining sculpture was placed to display the likeness with the Rape of the Sabine Women by Giambologna and with the Genius of Victory by Michelangelo.
Koons’ Pluto and Proserpina (2010-13) is on loan after a debut at the Whitney Museum in NYC. Following Florence, this piece from Koons’ Antiquities Series (and modeled after porcelain sculpture of Pluto and Proserpina from the late 1700’s, France) will go to Oceana Bal Harbour where it will take its rightful spot, permanently!
Image courtesy of: Discover Tuscany
Sala dei Gigli is the spot where the 2013 Gazing Ball (Barberini Faun), the second Koons piece, has taken residence. The bright blue reflective sphere placed on this plaster cast of the celebrated erotic antiquity mirrors not only its viewers, but also Donatello’s monumental bronze masterpiece Judith and Holofernes as well as Ghirlandaio frescoes nearby.
Image courtesy of: Apollo Magazine, photographed by: Pietro Savorelli
Next year, Koons’ Pluto and Proserpina will return home to Oceana Bal Harbour where the complex’s residents will get to call it their own.
Image courtesy of: Oceana Bal-Harbour