Jean-Luc Baroni Donates Long Lost “Allegory of Virtue” to the Uffizi

Jacopo Ligozzi – Verona circa 1547-1627 Florence
The Allegory of Virtue, Love Defending Virtue against Ignorance and Prejudice
Oil on canvas: 345 x 228 cms. (135 ½ x 89 ½ in.)
Click on image to enlarge.

The centerpiece of London-based Old Masters dealer Jean-Luc Baroni’s January 2014 exhibition/sale in New York was a massive painting by Jacopo Ligozzi, The Allegory of Virtue, Love Defending Virtue against Ignorance and Prejudice, which had originally been commissioned by Francesco I de’ Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany around 1580-85.  The painting had last been recorded in 1865 – Baroni purchased it from a private German collection.  At more than 11 feet tall, it overwhelmed and overpowered the ornate setting in which it was shown.  According to the Art Tribune, Baroni has recently donated the painting to the Uffizi in Florence, Italy – the bequest made in honor of his father.

The Ligozzi is the subject of an exceptional catalogue available free, online that outlines the artist’s biography, along with the painting’s dating, provenance and rich iconography – it begins with this delightful teaser:

Jacopo Ligozzi was one of the most original artistic personalities of the late 16th and early 17th century Florence.  He was of an anxious disposition and, tormented by a piety typical of the Counter-Reformation, he was obsessed with sin and death.

My kind of guy.