8/14/2019 Big Al Unveils New Wing of Ferrara Art Gallery

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BIG AL UNVEILS NEW WING OF FERRARA ARTGALLERY

There was excitement at the Ferrara Art Gallery today as our own Duke and patronof the arts Alfonso II cut the ribbon on the gallery’s new Local Art wing.

The Duke’s generous sponsorship has enabled the gallery to expand significantlyand bring out of storage many pieces of work by local artists that had previouslybeen in storage due to a lack of space.

The new wing will include two pieces donated by Alfonso –a bronze sculpture of Neptune taming a seahorse, commissioned by Alfonso from renowned sculptor Clausof Innsbruck, and a portrait of the Duke’s late wife, Lucrezia, painted by local artistand holy man Fra Pandolf.

The latter donation is particularly generous as it is a piece

very close to the Duke’s heart – his young wife diedsuddenly several years ago, causing a stir amongst thelocal media as allegations of poisoning threatened to taintthe Duke’s reputation.

Lucrezia, who was 17 at the time of her death, made aname for herself as a cheerful and friendly addition to thetown. “She was always happy to meet people,” a formergardener at the Duke’s home commented. “She had timefor everyone and was delighted by even the smallestthings. I used to bring her cherries from the orchard, andher face would light up as though I had given her a realtreasure. It broke all our hearts when she died and thetown will never be the same.”

Visitors have been charmed by the Duchess’ beautiful smile, captured almost asthough she were alive. Said Fra Pandolf, the artist, “she smiled so readily and often…she was so easily made glad. An absolute joy to paint.”

In spite of the recent bad press, Alfonso was happy to discuss his donations. “Thestatue by Claus of Innsbruck is particularly grand, and will be a real crowd-puller forthe museum,” he said. “The portrait of Lucrezia, also, is close to my heart. Her losswas a tragic one, but she was immortalised by Fra Pandolf and now her beauty canbe enjoyed by many.”

He went on to add, “My young duchess will not be forgotten by the people of thistown. She treated everyone alike, poor or rich, and no special affection was reservedfor me as her husband; rather, I was held in equal esteem to our household staff andthe townspeople. Such a lack of respect and appreciation might be difficult for some

men to bear. I, however, put up with it.”In just a few short weeks, Alfonso will be giving his home province of Ferrara anotherreason to be glad. He is to wed the young Barbara of Austria, daughter of the HolyRoman Emperor Ferdinand I, and the wedding promises to be quite a spectacle.

Portrait of the Duke's latewife, the Duchess Lucrezia

8/14/2019 Big Al Unveils New Wing of Ferrara Art Gallery

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