St Andreas Picture Gallery

In the heart of Empoli, Italy, lies a hidden gem that art enthusiasts and history buffs alike will find irresistible: the St Andreas Picture Gallery, known locally as the Pinacoteca Museo della Collegiata di Sant'Andrea. This remarkable museum, housed in the historic rooms of the canonica adjacent to the Collegiata di Sant'Andrea, boasts one of the richest and most intriguing collections in the Empoli-Valdelsa area. With masterpieces from the likes of Filippo Lippi, Masolino da Panicale, Lorenzo Monaco, Francesco Botticini, Antonio Rossellino, and Jacopo Chimenti, the gallery offers a captivating journey through centuries of artistic excellence.

The Origins of St Andreas Picture Gallery

The inception of the St Andreas Picture Gallery is credited to Vincenzo Salvagnoli, an Empoli native who played a significant role in the provisional government of Tuscany following the departure of the Grand Duke in 1859. Salvagnoli's vision and dedication led to the establishment of the museum with an initial endowment of 5,040 lire. The first home of the collection was the chapel of San Lorenzo, adjacent to the Collegiata, where 54 works, primarily from the Collegiata and other local churches, as well as private donations, were displayed.

Under the meticulous care of Guido Carocci, an inspector from the Florence Superintendency, the collection was organized chronologically, and a special section for terracotta sculptures and illuminated manuscripts was created. The growing collection necessitated a move in the 1930s to new premises within the propositura, although this project was interrupted by the devastation of World War II. The museum finally reopened in 1956, with the latest refurbishment completed in 2023, thanks to funding from the PNRR.

Exploring the Collection

The St Andreas Picture Gallery is spread over two floors, encompassing eight rooms and a covered loggia on the first floor of the cloister, where the glazed terracottas are displayed. Each room offers a unique glimpse into different periods and styles of art, making the gallery a treasure trove for visitors.

Ground Floor

Room 1

Originally the small church of San Giovanni Battista, this room was transformed into a baptistery in 1464, connecting it to the Collegiata via a corridor. At its center stands the exquisite baptismal font by Bernardo Rossellino, dated 1447, from the Collegiata. The walls are adorned with detached frescoes, including a poignant Christ in Pietà by Masolino da Panicale, documented in Empoli in 1424, as well as works by Gherardo di Jacopo, known as Lo Starnina, Fra Paolino da Pistoia, and other fragments from the Florentine school of the 14th century.

Room 2

Known as the Sculpture Room, this space features an impressive array of sculptures, including a marble holy water font from the Collegiata of Sant'Andrea (1492-1502), two terracotta prophets from the early 17th century, and a Madonna and Child by Giovanni Pisano from around 1280. Other notable works include a Madonna and Child by Mino da Fiesole (circa 1470), a 1520 brass lectern from the Collegiata, and a 1409 wooden St. Stephen by Francesco di Valdambrino.

Room 3

This small passage room, known as the Passetto, houses two candle-bearing angels created in 1603 by Maestro Felice Fiorentino.

Room 4

Serving as the museum's entrance and staircase to the upper floor, this room displays the coats of arms of the Opera di Sant'Andrea and various families, mostly originating from the Collegiata.

First Floor

Room 5

This room showcases paintings from the 14th and 15th centuries, providing visitors with a comprehensive overview of Florentine painting from that era. Highlights include a Madonna and Child with Saints by an anonymous Pistoiese master (circa 1320-1330), a Madonna and Child with Saints by Niccolò di Pietro Gerini (circa 1385), and a Crucifixion by Lorenzo di Bicci (1399).

Room 6

Dedicated to 15th-century panel paintings, this room features some of the museum's most prized pieces. Among them are a Madonna and Child with Saints by Bicci di Lorenzo (1423), a Madonna of Humility by Lorenzo Monaco (1404), and a Madonna and Child with Saints by Filippo Lippi (circa 1430).

Room 7

Known as the Botticini Room, this space houses numerous works attributed to the Botticini family. The monumental Tabernacle of St. Sebastian, a collaboration between Antonio Rossellino and Francesco Botticini (circa 1476), is the standout piece here.

Conclusion

The St Andreas Picture Gallery is not just a museum; it is a journey through time, offering a window into the rich artistic heritage of Empoli and beyond. Its carefully curated collection, spanning centuries and showcasing a wide range of artistic styles and mediums, makes it an essential stop for anyone visiting this charming Tuscan town. Whether you are an art connoisseur or a casual visitor, the Pinacoteca Museo della Collegiata di Sant'Andrea promises an enriching and memorable experience.