Painting and Poetry

1626 · Galleria Palatina (Palazzo Pitti), Florence

mythological

The allegorical figures of Painting and Poetry represent the famous theme explored by Horace in Ars Poetica. The concept of UT PICTURA POSIS ("so in painting as in poetry") is expressed by Furini in the Sapphic kiss and embrace of the two figures, arranged almost symmetrically, and in the interplay of gestures which visually represent the mutual relationship between the two sister arts. Painting, depicted on the left, holds a palette and brushes in one hand, tools for art as the imitator of nature, and a mask in the other, a reference to the imitation of human actions.

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About the Artist

Francesco Furini

1603 – 1646

Florentine painter of biblical and mythological subjects heavy with female nudes, and of single half-length nudes in oppressive bluish tones with strong sfumato. In the 1630s he became a priest and devoted himself to religious works in the manner of Guido Reni.

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