About this artwork
In classical mythology, the Golden Age was the first and most idyllic of the four ages of the world, followed by those of Silver, Bronze and Iron. At the top of this panel, the Four Seasons flank the symbol of Aries, the first sign of the zodiac. Below a multitude of figures enjoy the benefits of this bountiful and harmonious era. The composition follows a drawing by Giorgio Vasari now in the Louvre, which in turn illustrates a programme written by Vincenzo Borghini. The picture was commissioned from Poppi, who was one of Vasari’s most talented pupils, by the Grand Duke Francesco de’ Medici himself. Medici rule was said to have brought a second Golden Age to Florence.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Poppi (Francesco Morandini) (1544 - 1597) Italian
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title:The Golden Age
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date created:About 1565 - 1567
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materials:Oil on panel
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measurements:43.00 x 32.60 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Purchased 1964
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accession number:NG 2268
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gallery:
Poppi (Francesco Morandini)
Poppi (Francesco Morandini)
Francesco Morandini was known as Poppi from his native town east of Florence. He moved to Florence as a young man where he became a protégé of the writer and patron Vincenzo Borghini and entered the studio of Giorgio Vasari. He was a typical if rather derivative exponent of the late mannerist...