The universe of private rooms: at last a new approach to temporary exhibitions in Florence’s Museums.
“The Virtues of Love, nuptial paintings from the Florentine 15th Century”
is a fascinating exhibition that introduces the visitor to the private universe of nuptial chambers in the Italian ‘Quattrocento’. The current show doesn’t focus on the evolution of a single artist or artistic tendency, but on the items considered necessary to underline the pump of the wedding ceremony and the social status symbols involved.

Only a few of these works of art have survived, which makes the work carried out by this team of Florentine curators even more impressive. They have managed to put together a unique collection of rare objects – including wedding chests, trousseau boxes for bride’s dowry, wedding plates and painted panels to insert in the wall paneling – all depicting symbolic scenes featuring heroes and heroines from myths, legends and the Bible.
The subject chosen were always picked to encourage the newly weds to stick their vows of nuptial loyalty and faithfulness and all the other virtues considered necessary for a successful marriage.
They were also a means for imparting a kind of sex education, especially for the inexperienced girls. An even number of wedding chests was always made for the bride and the groom. On the inner side of the wedding chest lid there was occasionally even a naked boy and on its twin chest the painting of a naked girl, to help get the young couple used to the idea of their new conjugal duties.
Leading artists and artisans of the time were often involved in the decoration of these luxury goods which gave such prestige to the families involved at a crucial moment in their lives. These weddings were often the product or the means of important political alliances and as such were a precious way of advertising and promoting the social standing of the families involved.
The families coat of arms were usually present on wedding chests.
An interesting fact is that, although the girl’s wishes were not taken into account when the choice of a husband was made by her family, she was allowed to choose the subject of the decoration of her wedding chest !

VIRTÙ D’AMORE, PITTURA NUZIALE NEL QUATTROCENTO–
THE VIRTUES OF LOVE,NUPTIAL PAINTING IN XV CENTURY FLORENCE
Accademia Gallery, Florence - June 8th - November 1st 2010.

more infos about the exhibition

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