A different side of the Renaissance, moving beyond the harmony, balance and measured proportions traditionally associated with the period, is the focus of an exhibition currently on display at Palazzo Medici Riccardi in Florence.
Beyond the Renaissance: From Dürer to Parmigianino (Oltre il Rinascimento. Tra Dürer e Parmigianino) explores the more restless and experimental currents of 16th-century European art, when elongated figures, transformed spaces and increasingly expressive graphic techniques opened the way to new artistic approaches.
The exhibition, which runs until 5 January 2027, is promoted by the Metropolitan City of Florence and organised by Fondazione MUS.E. Curated by Daniel Blau, Sergio Risaliti and Valentina Zucchi, it brings together around 150 works from the private collection of Georg Baselitz and the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest.
The itinerary begins with prints by German artist Albrecht Dürer, including his celebrated Rhinoceros, before moving through works by Lucas Cranach the Elder and Italian artists including Andrea Mantegna, Ugo da Carpi, Andrea Schiavone and Domenico Beccafumi.
It also examines the work of Jacques Bellange and artistic developments associated with the School of Fontainebleau in France.
From northern Europe to Italy
Dürer and Parmigianino form the two main reference points of the exhibition.
Dürer’s work represents the influence of northern European art, combining close observation of nature and precise detail with a strong visionary element. Parmigianino, meanwhile, represents the Italian pursuit of an increasingly refined and deliberately artificial elegance, expressed through an elongated and sometimes unsettling use of line.
Between these two approaches, the exhibition traces a wider European artistic landscape through woodcuts, etchings, engravings and drypoints by French, Flemish, German and Italian artists, including Antonio del Pollaiolo and Parmigianino.
The works illustrate how printmaking became an important field for experimentation during the 16th century, as artists across Europe moved beyond established Renaissance conventions towards what would become known as Mannerism.
Practical information
Exhibition: Beyond the Renaissance: From Dürer to Parmigianino
Where: Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence
Until: 5 January 2027
❤️ Support Florence Daily News
If you liked this article, please consider supporting Florence Daily News.
We are an independent news site, free from paywalls and intrusive ads, committed to providing clear and reliable reporting on Florence and Tuscany for everyone.
Your support — whether a one-time gift or a regular contribution — helps us stay independent and keep telling the stories that matter.
Donate securely via Stripe below.
Make a one-time donation
Make a monthly donation
Make a yearly donation
Choose an amount
Or enter a custom amount
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
Discover more from Florence Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.