The exhibition focuses on the history of a family which dominated the history of the Marche region in the 16th century (1508 - 1631) - from Francesco Maria I, Guidobaldo II to Francesco Maria II.  As well as depicting in cronological order the Delle Rovere family it also covers their consorts and many other protagonists of the time, for example Piero della Francesca, Raffaello, Taddeo Zuccari, Vincenzo Foppa, Girolamo and Bartolomeo Genga.  

A total of 300 historic exhibits are on show, the majority on loan from the famous museums of Italy and abroad, including paintings, sculptures, jewellery, ceramics, weaponry and scientific objects.

Indeed the Della Rovere was the first dynasty to give up the search for conquest in territorial battles and instead seek international fame and approval by means of artistic patronage.

The exhibition will be on until 3rd October 2004. 

A closer look at all four sections of the exhibition:

The first phase of this journey of discovery of the Delle Rovere family is in Senigallia and looks at the origins of the dynasty – from Savona in Liguria – illustrated by a number of works of art from that town, which were given to Pope Sisto IV, one of which is a portrait by Spaniard Pedro Berruguete.  Among the paintings is Piero Della Francesca’s Madonna di Senigallia commissioned by Federico of Montefeltro.

In Urbino the historical trail continues with official portraits of Francesco Maria I, icon of the exhibition, and of his consort Eleonora Gonzaga.  You can admire Guidubaldo II, portrayed at the side of his consort Giulia Varano, in the table by Bronzino, from the Palatina Gallery in Firenze. Commissions by Francesco Maria II include works by Federico Barocci and Federico Zuccari.

In Pesaro, the Salone Metaurense of the Ducal Palace is dedicated to “Pesaro Masterpieces” – where more than 100 ceramic works of art are on display. On this occasion (but at limited hours) you can also visit Villa Imperiale, which sits proudly on the hill in the greenery around Pesaro.

Finally, in Urbania, the last part of the exhibition is dedicated to Francesco Maria II and runs along the theme of “graphic arts and science.  The exhibition is housed in the Ducal Palace of Urbania, Duke Francesco Maria’s favourite town.  It depicts the relationship between the Dukes and science, with paintings by Ulisse Aldovrandi and an array of compasses, sun dials and other scientific objects.  Susterman’s famous portrait of Galileo Galilei from the Uffizi gallery in Florence brings the exhibition to a close.

Opening hours and entrance fee information:

URBINO (Ducal Palace)
Tues – Sun 9am – 7pm
Mon 9am -  2pm
Entrance fee - € 8

URBANIA (Ducal Palace)
Mon – Fri 10am – 12 and 3pm – 6pm
Sat – Sun 2pm – 7pm
Entrance fee - € 6   concession € 4

PESARO (Ducal Palace)
4th April – 15th June and 16th September – 4th October
Mon – Fri 10am – 1pm and 4pm – 7pm
Sat – Sun 10am – 7pm
16th June – 15th September
Mon – Sun 5pm - midnight
Entrance fee - € 7    concession € 5

SENIGALLIA
4th April – 15th June and 16th September – 4th October
Mon – Fri 10am – 1pm and 4pm – 7pm
Sat – Sun 10am – 7pm
16th June – 15th September
Mon – Sun 5pm - midnight
Entrance fee - € 7    concession € 5

For further information and group bookings:
Arthemisia, Pesaro
Tel. +39 0721 370956
Fax +39 0721 377105
is@arthemisia.it