Top 17 Uffizi Gallery Hidden Gems

The Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy is one of the most popular art museums in the world, and for good reason. With an extensive collection of Renaissance and Baroque art, including works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Caravaggio, it’s a must-visit for art lovers. However, with so many famous works on display, some of the gallery’s hidden gems can easily be overlooked. In this Uffizi Gallery Tour, we’ll take a look at 17 of the museum’s lesser-known treasures.

“Portrait of a Youthful Lady” by Domenico Ghirlandaio

1. Located in Room 8, this portrait by Domenico Ghirlandaio is often overshadowed by his more famous work, “The Adoration of the Magi.” However, this portrait is a stunning example of the artist’s skill in capturing the beauty and spirit of his subject. The young woman is depicted in profile, with a serene expression and elegant clothing that reflects her high status.

“Saints and the Holy Family” by Ridolfo del Ghirlandaio

2. This altarpiece in Room 26 is a masterful example of Renaissance painting. The central figure is the Madonna and Child, surrounded by saints and angels. The intricate details and vibrant colours make this painting a true treasure of the Uffizi Gallery.

“Portrait of a Lady” by Bronzino

3. Bronzino was a court painter for the powerful Medici family, and his portrait of a lady in Room 28 is a testament to his skill. The subject is depicted in full regal attire, with intricate details on her dress and jewellery. Her expression is enigmatic, adding to the mystery and allure of the painting.

“Judith and Holofernes” by Luca Giordano

4. This painting in Room 88 depicts the biblical story of Judith, who saves her people by beheading the Assyrian general Holofernes. The violence of the scene is tempered by the beauty of Giordano’s brushwork, creating a stunning and dramatic work of art.

“Portrait of a Musician” by Andrea del Sarto

5. This portrait in Room 26 is a testament to the skill of Andrea del Sarto, one of the greatest painters of the Florentine Renaissance. A subject is a young man holding a lute, with a peaceful expression that captures the mood of the painting. The soft lighting and warm colours make this a truly beautiful work of art.

“Bathsheba at Her Bath” by Artemisia Gentileschi

6. This painting in Room 35 is a powerful and provocative work by Artemisia Gentileschi, one of the few female artists of the Baroque era. The subject is Bathsheba, the wife of King David, who is depicted in a vulnerable and intimate moment. Gentileschi’s skill in capturing human form and emotion is on full display in this masterpiece.

“The Annunciation” by Carlo Crivelli

7. This altarpiece in Room 7 is a stunning example of the Gothic style, with intricate details and rich colours that make it a true gem of the Uffizi Gallery. The central figure is the Virgin Mary, who is visited by the Angel Gabriel and informed of her impending pregnancy. The expression on Mary’s face captures the wonder and awe of the moment.

“The Four Evangelists” by Andrea del Castagno

8. This fresco in Room 7 is a rare example of Andrea del Castagno’s work, and it’s a true treasure of the Uffizi Gallery. The four evangelists are depicted with their symbolic animals, surrounded by intricate details and vibrant colours that make the painting come alive.

“Ulysses and Penelope’s Encounter” by Francesco Primaticcio

9. This painting in Room 31 is a beautiful example of the Mannerist style, with elongated figures and intricate details that create a dreamlike atmosphere. The subject is the reunion of Ulysses and Penelope, with the goddess Athena looking on. The soft lighting and muted colours give the painting a sense of tranquillity and serenity.

“The Sacrifice of Isaac” by Lorenzo Ghiberti

10. This bronze relief in Room 7 is a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture. The subject is the biblical story of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Isaac, with intricate details and dramatic poses that make the scene come alive. Ghiberti’s skill in capturing human form and emotion is on full display in this incredible work of art.

Sala delle Carte Geografiche (Hall of Maps):

11. The Hall of Maps displays a collection of 53 maps painted on its walls, showcasing different regions of Italy during the 16th century. Geographer Ignazio Danti completed the project in three years. Originally intended to showcase Michelangelo’s sculptures, the hall was later repurposed by the Medici family.

Galleria del Levante (Gallery of the East):

12. The Gallery of the East features an assortment of works of art from the Middle East, India, and the Ottoman Empire, alongside items from the Medici’s collection of exotic objects. The displays include a 16th-century Persian rug, a Chinese porcelain vase, and a Japanese lacquer chest. Once a storage space for the Medici’s exotic items, the gallery was converted into an exhibition space.

Tribuna degli Uffizi (Tribune of the Uffizi):

13. The Tribuna of the Uffizi is an oval-shaped room considered one of the gallery’s most stunning spaces, containing some of its most renowned masterpieces. The room is adorned with precious materials such as jasper and lapis lazuli and boasts an elaborate ceiling fresco portraying the Apotheosis of the Medici family. Some of the works exhibited in the tribune are Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus,” Titian’s “Venus of Urbino,” and Caravaggio’s “Bacchus.”

Gabinetto delle Stampe (Prints and Drawings Cabinet):

14. The Prints and Drawings Cabinet is devoted to the gallery’s extensive collection of prints and drawings, comprising over 100,000 pieces. The collection includes works by celebrated artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael, in addition to numerous lesser-known artists. Visitors can request to view specific pieces from the collection in the cabinet’s reading room.

Sala degli Argenti (Silver Room):

15. The Silver Room showcases a collection of silverware and goldsmith’s work, including ceremonial objects and household items dating from the 16th to the 19th century. Among the highlights of the collection are the Medici’s silver service, used for state banquets, and a silver and enamel vase created by Benvenuto Cellini. Originally intended to display the gallery’s collection of ancient gems, the room was later repurposed to exhibit the silver collection.

Sala dei Giochi (Room of Games):

16. The Room of Games houses an assortment of games and toys from the 18th and 19th centuries, including board games, puzzles, and dolls. Some of the objects on display include an 18th-century chess set, a 19th-century dollhouse, and a set of toy soldiers. The room’s murals depict children playing games and evoke the playful spirit of childhood.

Sala di Niobe (Niobe Room):

17. Named after a renowned ancient Greek statue of Niobe, which is now housed in the Uffizi Gallery of Statues and Paintings, the Niobe Room contains a collection of ancient Roman sculptures. Many of the sculptures were once part of the Medici’s collection and depict various mythological and historical figures. The sculptures are arranged circularly around the room.

When visiting the Uffizi Gallery, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of famous works on display. However, taking the time to seek out these hidden gems can be a rewarding experience that adds depth and richness to your understanding of the museum’s collection. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or a casual visitor, these 17 works are sure to leave a lasting impression. So next time you’re planning a Uffizi Gallery tour, be sure to seek out these lesser-known treasures and discover the magic of the museum’s hidden gems.