The Gipsoteca Bartolini (Plaster Cast Gallery)

The Gipsoteca, housed in what was once known as the “Sala dell’Ottocento” (Nineteenth Century Room), represents one of the most comprehensive collections of 19th-century plaster casts in Italy.

This impressive gallery showcases over ninety original plaster models by Lorenzo Bartolini, along with significant works by Luigi Pampaloni and other prominent Neoclassical sculptors, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the artistic processes and aesthetic ideals of 19th-century Florence.

Lorenzo Bartolini, who was one of the most celebrated sculptors of his time and a professor at the Florence Academy of Fine Arts, is the central figure of this collection. His studio models, preserved here in their original state, demonstrate the crucial intermediate step between initial concept and final marble execution. The collection includes some of his most famous works, such as “The Campbell Sisters Dancing a Waltz” and the monuments from the Demidoff collection, which showcase his ability to capture both movement and emotional expression in sculpture.

The gallery’s layout closely recreates the arrangement of Bartolini’s original studio in Borgo San Frediano, allowing visitors to experience these works as they would have been seen during the creative process. This historical accuracy extends to the placement of smaller studies and maquettes alongside larger finished models, providing insight into the sculptor’s working methods and the development of his ideas. The collection is particularly valuable because it preserves many works whose final marble versions have been lost or damaged over time.

Equally fascinating are the technical aspects revealed by these plaster casts. Visitors can observe the “points” used in the mechanical transfer process from plaster to marble, offering a rare glimpse into 19th-century sculptural techniques. The surface textures vary from roughly worked areas to finely finished sections, demonstrating the different stages of the creative process. Some pieces still bear the sculptor’s original tool marks and handwritten notes, providing intimate connections to the artist’s working methods.

The collection also includes important works by Luigi Pampaloni, another significant figure in 19th-century Florentine sculpture. His contributions include both public monuments and more intimate pieces, such as the touching “Orphans on the Cliff,” which exemplifies the period’s interest in emotional narrative and social themes. The contrast between Bartolini’s and Pampaloni’s styles offers visitors insights into the artistic debates and varying approaches to sculpture during this period.

One of the gallery’s unique features is its collection of competition pieces from the Academy’s painting contests held between 1794 and 1868. These works, displayed along the walls, include pieces by notable artists such as Giovanni Fattori and Silvestro Lega, providing context for the artistic education and competition system of the period. This combination of sculptural and painted works creates a comprehensive view of 19th-century artistic training and achievement.

The recent restoration and reorganization of the Gipsoteca has enhanced its educational value while preserving its historical significance. Modern lighting highlights the subtle details of the plaster surfaces, while careful climate control ensures the preservation of these delicate works. The gallery serves not only as a testament to 19th-century sculptural practice but also as a vital resource for understanding the development of Italian Neoclassical and Romantic sculpture.