Galleria degli Uffizi, Sala di Niobe I, Firenze

2008, Printed Later
Archival lambda color photograph
47.25
x
59
in

Signed, titled, dated and from edition of 5 on artist’s label on verso.

Available in 3 sizes: 100 x 120 cm. (39.4 x 47.2 in.), 120 x 150 cm. (47.2 x 59.1 in.), 180 x 225 cm. (70.9 x 88.6 in.)


Massimo Listri’s “Galleria Degli Uffizi Sala di Niobe II, Firenze” offers a profound exploration into the intricate history and artistic richness of the Uffizi Gallery’s Niobe Room. Commissioned by Grand Duke Peter Leopold of Lorraine, this room serves as a precious example of neoclassical architecture, specifically designed to house a remarkable sculptural group discovered in Rome in 1583.

In the image, eight sculptures depicting the tragic myth of Niobe command attention, each a masterpiece of classical artistry and storytelling.

What makes Listri’s photograph truly striking is the way it captures the interplay between light and the room’s ornate decorations. The panelled ceiling, adorned with gilded roses, stuccoes, and cameos, serves as a majestic canopy above the sculptures, infusing the space with a sense of grandeur and refinement. Light floods into the room from the windows on the left side, casting a soft, ethereal glow that illuminates the intricate details of the ceiling’s decoration, enhancing its beauty and intricacy.

Through Listri’s lens, viewers are invited to immerse themselves in the timeless elegance of the Niobe Room, where classical mythology comes to life amidst a backdrop of exquisite craftsmanship and artistic splendor. The photograph serves as a window into the cultural richness and artistic heritage preserved within the walls of the Uffizi Gallery, inviting viewers to appreciate the enduring allure of classical art and storytelling.