This year, the Menarini Art Volumes series has released a stunning monograph that celebrates the artistic genius of Veronese within the majestic historical and artistic setting of Palazzo Madama, Turin’s esteemed Civic Museum of Ancient Art. Curated by Giovanni Carlo Federico Villa, Director of Palazzo Madama, and his father Renzo Villa, this new monograph is a testament to Menarini’s commitment to cultural excellence and offers a unique perspective on Veronese’s profound influence on Western art.
We had the opportunity to speak with author Giovanni Carlo Federico Villa, gaining valuable insights into this captivating project.
Last year’s monograph on Botticelli has been followed by a new volume dedicated to another of the great figures in art history. What role do the Menarini Art Volumes play in conveying the importance and beauty of Italy’s artistic heritage?
Veronese is the subject of the latest monograph from Menarini – monographs that for fifty years have been telling the history of Italian art through its greatest protagonists. These are artists who are sometimes forgotten, sometimes less well-known, but who have represented Italy’s immense contribution to the history of Western art.
What is the significance of Veronese’s work within the broader historical context of the Venetian Renaissance art tradition?
Paolo Caliari (1528 Verona – 1588 Venice), known as Veronese, embodies the genius of Venetian Renaissance painting. Together with Tiziano and Tintoretto, he defined a unique era in the history of Western art.
Veronese is particularly celebrated for his large-scale religious and mythological paintings, such as Nozze di Cana (The Wedding at Cana), which is displayed at the Louvre in Paris. His extraordinary use of color and light, as well as his spatial compositions, seem to anticipate the techniques of many centuries later impressionist masters.
Veronese’s art is rooted in Venetian tradition but projects towards a universal dimension. This reflects a time when Venice was still at the center of European cultural and artistic exchanges, marking a season of formidable creative vitality that continues to inspire our present.
What is the stylistic figure of Veronese?
Veronese is the artist who masterfully interpreted, narrated, and pioneered the 16th century as a painter of figures and architecture, draftsman, and colorist without equal. His artistic legacy has transcended centuries, resonating with all those who have sought to capture the essence of the world and narrate human action on the grand stage of life. Unlike other Venetian painters, Veronese was uniquely ‘Italian’ in his style, reflecting the cultural influences and artistic traditions he received from the Lombard and Emilian regions. Born, raised, and shaped in a town nestled between hills and plains, Veronese’s artistic vision was deeply rooted in the classical and innovative spirit of his surroundings, allowing him to cultivate a distinctive style that blended tradition with experimentation.
Menarini and Art: a constant cultural commitment
For Menarini, art is a fundamental pillar of social and cultural progress, on par with science. In pursuit of this artistic mission, the Group aims to elevate the work of great Italian painters and bring the wonders of renowned museums to a broader audience – particularly those who cannot visit them in person. By doing so, Menarini seeks to make art more inclusive and accessible to everyone.
Beyond the Art Volumes series, the Florentine pharmaceutical company has developed the multimedia project Menarini Pills of Art: short videos designed to introduce a wide audience to the fascinating aspects of Italian Renaissance masterpieces. With the expertise of sector professionals, over 700 episodes have been published on the Group’s official channels in 8 languages, garnering over 28 million views. This remarkable achievement is a testament to Menarini’s unwavering commitment to bringing the beauty of our artistic heritage directly into our homes.