Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze

The Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence, named Accademia, was the first academy for painting in Europe. It was founded in 1563 under the patronage of Cosimo I de ' Medici by Giorgio Vasari, Agnolo Bronzino and Bartolomeo Ammannati, three of the most important artists of Mannerism. She wears since 1784 the name Accademia di Belle Arti Firenze. The operation took the Accademia in the church of the Santissima Annunziata. When the Accademia decided to take a woman with Artemisia Gentileschi (1593-1653), this was a sensation.

Grand Duke Leopold of Tuscany, decreed in 1784 that all schools of painting in Florence should be grouped together under one roof and under the direction of the Accademia, and that it should include a gallery with paintings by old masters to help the young artists in their studies. The Accademia Gallery and the associated fulfill even today this mission, now in the Via Ricasoli, a former convent and hospice.

The Grand Duke also decided that the arts, which should be promoted by the Accademia, the music and the art restoration should include, so that ever since the Cherubini Conservatory and the Opificio delle Pietre Dure belong.

In the rooms of the Accademia are Michelangelo's David since he was in 1873 brought his stand at the Palazzo Vecchio for his protection here, as well as his prisoners ( Prisoners ), which were intended for the grave of Pope Julius II, Giambologna's original sculptures for the Rape of the Sabine Woman, as well as outstanding paintings from the Florence of the 15th and 16th centuries. Another focus of the Accademia Gallery is the painting of the 13th and 14th century. It is thus one of the most important art collections in Florence.