NEWS “Portrait of an Old Rabbi” in the Spotlight at Uffizi

By Pagine Ebraiche staff

“Portrait of an Old Rabbi”, a masterpiece by Rembrandt, has been placed at the center of the new branch of the world famous Uffizi Gallery in Florence.

“It is among the most relevant pieces of our museum and most definitely is in the top 20. Finally it has received the importance that it deserves,” commented the Uffizi director, Eike Schmidt.

The painting by the Dutch artist is featured in the new permanent exhibit devoted to 16th century art and to the Italian artist Caravaggio, in the penultimate of the eight rooms. Until now it had stood neglected in a minor section devoted to foreign artists.

“I’m very happy with the new arrangement. I almost feel we pulled this masterpiece out of the Ghetto. The painting is among Rembrandt’s most relevant, inspired by the life of the Jewish community of Amsterdam that the artist was so familiar with”.