|
More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
|
Johann Zoffany
|
|
(1733–1810) German-born painter, based in England from about 1760, who brought a new life to the formal conversation piece. His single most striking work is The Tribuna of the Uffizi (1772–7, Royal Collection). It was commissioned by Queen Charlotte, who sent Zoffany to Florence because she wanted to see the treasures of the Medici but protocol prevented her going on the *Grand Tour. He brought back this detailed view of the gallery and its assembled masterpieces, which he enlivened with excellent portraits of some 20 British noblemen and connoisseurs enjoying the art. These living figures make his painting, but the queen considered them an unseemly intrusion.
|
|
|
|