March 21-June 28
Florence in the 15th century was governed by a merchant oligarchy, of which the House of Medici, then one of the largest banking families in Europe, became particularly powerful and politically influential rulers. The arts flourished under the patronage of such families, and the Medicis supported many Renaissance artists, including Lorenzo Ghiberti, Fra Angelico and Sandro Botticelli.
During the French invasion toward the end of the 15th century, however, Piero de' Medici was exiled as the friar Girolamo Savonarola began his rise to power. Viewing art, literature and music as ungodly excesses, Savonarola collected many works, including those of Botticelli, and publicly burned them.
This exhibition highlights the social and political structure that aided Botticelli's artistic rise, with a display of around 10 of his works brought to Japan from various museums across the world.
Bunkamura the Museum; 2-24-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. Shibuya Stn. 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. (Fri., Sat. till 9 p.m.). ¥1,500. Closed April 13, 20. 03-5777-8600; www.bunkamura.co.jp/english
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