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Ancestral Art Discovery​
Ancestral Art Discovery in ​Perugia

A Transatlantic Artistic Reunion

In a heartwarming encounter reminiscent of a real-life “Carramba che sorpresa,” Maria Theresa Siclare from Connecticut experienced Ancestral Art Discovery​, an emotional connection to her heritage during a visit to the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche in Urbino, Italy. Accompanied by her husband, Will, Maria discovered a 17th-century painting by her ancestor, Ventura Mazza, a revelation that brought tears to her eyes during this touching moment of Ancestral Art Discovery.​

Maria had long known of her lineage tracing back to Cantiano, a quaint town near Urbino, but had never seen any works by her forebear. Her recent genealogical research unveiled that Ventura Mazza, a pupil of the renowned Federico Barocci, was her seventh great-grandfather. Upon inquiring at the gallery, the couple learned that one of Mazza’s paintings had been recently displayed on the second floor. Standing before the artwork, Maria felt an overwhelming sense of connection, stating, “I felt that a part of me was here… and today, seeing this work, I found it.”​

Ventura Mazza: The Artist Behind the Canvas

Ventura Mazza, also known by variations such as Mazzi or Marzi, was born around 1560 in Cantiano, within the Duchy of Urbino. As a dedicated student and collaborator of Federico Barocci, Mazza contributed significantly to the late Renaissance art scene. He was instrumental in executing and managing commissions, often ensuring that patrons’ expectations were met.​AskArt+2Hellenica World+2Wikipedia+2

Mazza’s notable works include a 1620 painting of St. Homobonus for the sacristy of Urbino’s Duomo, now housed in the National Gallery of Urbino. He also restored the stucco model of Federico da Montefeltro’s statue in 1604, originally designed by Girolamo Campagna. Despite his contributions, Mazza’s later years were marked by poverty, leading to his death in Urbino in 1638.​

The Galleria Nazionale delle Marche: A Treasure Trove of Renaissance Art

Located within the historic Palazzo Ducale of Urbino, the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche is a repository of Renaissance masterpieces. Its collection boasts works by luminaries such as Piero della Francesca and Raphael, alongside pieces by artists like Ventura Mazza. The gallery’s recent decision to display Mazza’s painting provided Maria with an unexpected yet profound connection to her ancestry.​

This serendipitous discovery underscores the timeless bond between art and personal history, illustrating how ancestral legacies can bridge continents and centuries.​

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