The Corsini Collection

Melissa Harpley

International art

AGWA

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AGWA’s next international exhibition, A Window on Italy – The Corsini Collection: Masterpieces from Florence, arrives in Perth, next February for an exclusive Australian season.

A Landmark Vehicle for Alfa Romeo

tanya.sticca@artgallery.wa.gov.au — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 01:27:07 +0000

A Landmark Vehicle for Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo’s new Stelvio.

tanya.sticca@a… Fri 10/07/2020 - 9:27am

9 May 2018

As drivers and fans of Alfa Romeo, the second vehicle in the new line-up is pivotal to the renaissance of the Alfa Romeo brand. A brand that is synonymous with Italian motoring Heritage ……. Design ……. Style and ……. Performance.

Yes

Every model built, is built to deliver beautiful, inspirational and a human-centric driving experience. Each model is more than just a machine, it is the symbol of an underlying technological quest and engineering evolution, the uncompromising excellence, the symbol that is Made In Italy. Alfa Romeo is not just a brand for the Car Enthusiast, it is the archetypal drivers’ vehicle.

The 1900 Berlina was the first car in Alfa’s history to be built without a separate chassis.

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Over 100 years of Italian Racing heritage is hard to ignore. So it wasn’t!

Stelvio is a landmark vehicle as the first ever Alfa Romeo SUV. It follows on closely from the award-winning Giulia as the second vehicle in the Alfa Romeo line up to be built using the groundbreaking Giorgio platform.

Anyone who has had the opportunity to drive the Giulia can attest that the vehicle is truly something special with its dynamic handling and performance that goes hand in hand with styling and design that Alfa Romeo is renowned for.

The Stelvio does not stray from this. Power with balance makes a car feel alive and the driver feel the same way. These principles have made the Stelvio the first SUV worthy of an Alfa Romeo badge. But it is how it feels behind the wheel that makes it truly an Alfa Romeo.

The Giulia Quadrifoglio led Alfa Romeo’s resurgence as it confirmed it’s performance credentials by setting the current lap record for a production sedan around the Nur-burg-ring.

The Stelvio Quadrifoglio, with its 2.9-litre twin turbo V6, has followed suit by also setting the current Nur-burg-ring lap record for the SUV category.

Alfa Romeo’s new Stelvio.

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Stelvio truly is a functional SUV for the active lifestyle that still has the balance and poise to make it truly an Alfa Romeo.

Stelvio marks a pivotal moment in the history of Alfa Romeo as it re-establishes itself as a benchmark automotive brand for design and performance.

As aptly put by Ralph Gilles, head of design at Alfa Romeo.

If you own one of these cars, you’re automatically different from everybody and you’re also a little more passionate, you have a little more zest for life.

Ralph Gilles

Head of design, Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo and Barbagallo are partners of A Window on Italy – The Corsini Collection: Masterpieces from Florence and have kindly provided the AGWA Alfa to help us celebrate the international exhibition.

Keep an eye out for the AGWA Alfa and if you see it, snap a pic and share it with us by #CorsiniCollection. You’ll automatically go in the draw to win some great prizes.

Visit our partner’s page at barbagallo.com.au

Alfa Romeo

Barbagallo

International

AGWA

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As drivers and fans of Alfa Romeo, the second vehicle in the new line-up is pivotal to the renaissance of the Alfa Romeo brand.

Why the classical world was attractive to 15th Century Europe

tanya.sticca@artgallery.wa.gov.au — Thu, 09 Jul 2020 08:17:55 +0000

Why the classical world was attractive to 15th Century Europe

Traditionally attributed to Anthony van Dyck (Antwerp 1599-London 1641) Prometheus and the Eagle early 17th century (detail). Oil on canvas, 1100 x 1610mm. Galleria Corsini, Florence.

tanya.sticca@a… Thu 09/07/2020 - 4:17pm

10 May 2018

The oldest paintings from the Corsini Collection currently on display are by Giovanni Santi and date from the late 1400s. They feature the Olympian god Apollo and three of the Muses. Other paintings on display also feature subjects drawn from Greek mythology, such as del Mazziere’s panel based on the Roman poet Ovid’s account in his Metamorphoses, and Rombouts’ confronting image of Prometheus and the Eagle. At the time that they were painted, these images were being made by artists for patrons who were also commissioning paintings of more traditional Christian subject matter, portraits, and genre scenes.

Yes

So why was the classical world attractive to Europe in the fifteenth century? Perhaps some answers can be found in a closer examination of these paintings.

Santi’s paintings of Apollo and the Muses were once part of a larger decorative cycle commissioned by the Duke of Urbino for one of two small ‘temples’ within the ducal palace. The other ‘temple’ was the Duke’s private chapel, and this proximity of Christian and pagan imagery is revealing. Together the two spaces make manifest the Duke’s spirituality, his learning, and the importance of the balance between the active and contemplative life for a ruler.

A Window on Italy – The Corsini Collection: Masterpieces from Florence featuring works by Giovanni Santi The Muses circa 1480-90. Florence, Galleria Corsini.

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Ovid’s Metamorphoses was a popular source of subject matter for Renaissance artists in Italy. Here, del Mazziere has depicted the tales of Apollo and Daphne and Narcissus in the one panel. We see Daphne changing into a laurel tree in order to escape Apollo’s attention, and Narcissus lying dead by the pool – the victim of his own vanity. The artist is clearly captivated by the idea of profane, rather than sacred, love and uses the tales of Ovid to warn of the dangers of unrequited love

Antonio di Donnino del Mazziere (Florence late 15th century-1547) Mythological Scene (Fables of Apollo, Daphne and Narcissus) early 1520s. Oil and gold on board, 300 x 430mm. Florence. Galleria Corsini.

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The warnings of Greek myth was also used as a subject by Rombouts in his depiction of Prometheus, the Titan who stole fire from the gods on Mount Olympus and gave it to humans. For this transgression he was punished by Zeus and his fate was to have his liver torn out by an eagle (the emblem of Zeus). But his wounds healed overnight, and so this torture was repeated daily until he was rescued by Heracles, the son of Zeus.

International art

AGWA

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The oldest paintings from the Corsini Collection currently on display are by Giovanni Santi and date from the late 1400s.

Guru Guides Reflect on the Corsini Collection

tanya.sticca@artgallery.wa.gov.au — Thu, 09 Jul 2020 07:10:31 +0000

Guru Guides Reflect on the Corsini Collection

The Corsini Collection AGWA installation view, 2018. Photo by Anthony Tran.

tanya.sticca@a… Thu 09/07/2020 - 3:10pm

7 June 2018

As A Window on Italy – The Corsini Collection exhibition comes to a close on the 18 June, we catch up with Voluntary Guru Guides Stephanie Watson and Louise Gillett to find out which work was their favourite and what they’ve enjoyed most about the exhibition.

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Louise Gillett

Guiding the Corsini has been an exciting ride. To date, I have conducted 18 public tours with four more to go before the show finishes. Researching and preparing has been hugely interesting and I learn more with each tour as patrons ask questions and provide opinions.

My favourite work?

The Botticelli, of course! To witness Botticelli’s poignant intention to suggest the Crucifixion in a work depicting Christ as an infant, is very moving. The rendering in tempera with all of the attendant precision and expertise seems to exemplify the artist’s deep Christian conviction, a desire to assert belief in the face of rampant humanism.

Sandro Botticelli (Florence c1445-1510) and workshop Madonna and Child with Six Angels c1500. Tempera and oil on board, 143 cm (diameter). Galleria Corsini, Florence.

The classical restraint, beauty and symmetry of those faces- breathtaking! It is always rewarding to guide this work; to provide the Christian explanation to patrons who are not aware of it and to witness the knowing nods of those who are familiar with the narrative and symbolism. This sharing of knowledge and experience in front of great art is what drives me as a Guide.

Stephanie Watson

My favourite work?

While Botticelli’s touching painting “Madonna and Child with Six Angels” is undoubtedly the star of the show, I am also drawn to Giovanni Santi’s modest work. For me, its evocation of “Birth of Venus” relates to one of the world’s great artistic treasures. Giovanni Santi’s painting of the Muse of History, Clio, shows her not with her traditional scroll, but enveloped in the gorgeous, swirling drapery of her beautiful blue gown. Fittingly, blue was the most expensive of paint pigments. Her hair floats behind her, echoing not only the movement of her dress but also the trees in the background.

Giovanni Santi (Colbordolo 1435-Urbino 1494) Clio from The Muses circa 1480-90. Tempera on board, 820 x 390 mm. Florence, Galleria Corsini

A hallmark of the Renaissance is the device of framing; here rocks and vegetation surround the central image. Another was a renewed interest in the classical world, which interestingly, sat comfortably with the deeply religious mood of the time. Clio’s almost bare feet reflect the philosophy of humanism and naturalism which was replacing the waning Medieval ethos.

The ‘flatness’ of the figure and detachment of the Muse are also elements of that earlier style. The traditional medium of egg tempera on wood panel soon to be overtaken by the new material of oil on linen has also been used. Giovanni’s far more famous son Raphael began his education in the studio of his father at the Palazzo of the Duke of Urbino. While his soaring talent soon outstretched his father’s, this painting can still charm us with its beauty.

A special moment in one of my tours was the texting conversation between one of the visitors to the exhibition and her cousin who was at work in the Palazzo Corsini in Florence at that very moment, bringing extra life to this wonderful exhibition.

The Corsini Collection installation view, 2018. Photo by Anthony Tran.

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Guru Guides

Wesfarmers Arts

International art

AGWA

Card Text

As A Window on Italy – The Corsini Collection exhibition comes to a close on the 18 June, we catch up with Voluntary Guru Guides Stephanie Watson and Louise Gillett to find out which work was their favourite.

Toast farewell to The Corsini Collection at an exclusive dinner event

tanya.sticca@artgallery.wa.gov.au — Thu, 09 Jul 2020 06:42:49 +0000

Toast farewell to The Corsini Collection at an exclusive dinner event

The Corsini Collection AGWA installation view, 2018. Photo by Jessica Wyld Photography & Ed Fetahovic.

tanya.sticca@a… Thu 09/07/2020 - 2:42pm

12 June 2018

Renowned winemaker, Juniper, Margaret River, has matched their award-winning wines to a five-course degustation menu that features fresh and innovative Italian cuisine.

Hal Bibby of Juniper, Margaret River says, “Our chief Winemaker, Mark Messenger has selected across our range to pair with the menu designed by Faith Nichols from Comestibles.

“In keeping with the Corsini theme, our first pairings are with two Fianos, an Italian white variety made in differing styles. The gold medal-winning Juniper Small Batch Fiano 2017 which is a vibrant and refreshing style will complement the delicate components of every aspect of the first course,” says Bibby.

“The Higher Plane Fiano 2017– also a gold medal winner – is a more complex wine that will amplify the flavours in the delicate risotto and chicken brodo superbly, its sapidity echoing the accompanying garnishes.”

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Our third course matching challenges convention, but should be sensational. We are pairing our Gold medal winning Juniper Estate Semillon 2007 with the honey glazed loin of lamb, as bottle age has magnified the richness in this wine to make it the perfect foil to the various elements in this dish with its body and honied development.

Hal Bibby

Juniper, Margaret River

“The softness, depth and breadth of the flavour of the Juniper Estate Shiraz 2012 will pull together the various components of the chicken dish magnificently.”

“Our final pairing features a dish that could not be more appropriate for the Juniper Estate Cane Cut Riesling 2017. It is made to retain acidity to corset the sweetness in the wine so that it is clean and refreshing.”

Limited to only 50 seats, this superb send-off will be set in the Corsini exhibition entrance, surrounded by immersive palace photo backdrops – steps away from the prized collection.

Guests will have exclusive private access to the exhibition with AGWA Guru Guides on hand for insights into the works of art.

It’s a brilliant way to say ciao to your favourite works in the Corsini Collection.

This is a unique way to experience the exhibition and immerse yourself in Italian culture. The first event was a sell-out success, and I know interest is high in this second more intimate opportunity.

Dr Stefano Carboni

AGWA Director

Every ticket purchased will also go into the draw to win an amazing Gallery hamper valued at $250 and features two bottles of wine from Juniper, Margaret River, Corsini inspired gifts and beautifully illustrated hardcover Italian themed catalogues.

Book your tickets here

MENU

On arrival
Juniper Estate Blanc de Blanc 2015

Course one
A dainty dish of preserved zucchini flavoured with lemon zest and fresh oregano, accompanied by burrata and finely sliced Cerignola olives
Matched with Juniper Small Batch Fiano 2017

Course two
A delicate risotto cooked in Fiano and chicken brodo garnished with freshly grated parmigiana reggiano and crisped sage leaves Matched with Higher Plane Fiano 2017

Course three
Honey glazed loin of lamb poached in a little dry white wine served with braised fennel and the drizzle of the poaching liquid Matched with Aged Juniper Estate Semillon

Course four
Breast of Mahogany Creek Chicken in a citrus juniper marinade accompanied with a shallot chestnut Vin Santo sauce served with kipfler potatoes and grilled radicchio
Matched with Aged Juniper Estate Shiraz 2012

Course five
Chilled Lemon cream garnished with chopped candied lemon peel, berries icing sugar and lemon biscuits
Matched with Juniper Estate Cane Cut Riesling 2017

Course six
to accompany coﬀee Amaretti , nougat and candied fruits