Before showcasing its customs and culture at the Shanghai World Expo, Italy has given a warm up art show at the Shanghai Museum. Eighty-two masterpieces created in the country since the Renaissance period are featured in the exhibition.

 

The eighty-two works transported from Italy's Uffizi Gallery cover genres of landscape, still life and portrait.

Paintings on show were created from the 15th to the mid 20th century. They include works by Florence school master Sandro Botticelli, at the beginning of the Renaissance period, and pieces by Venice school master Jacopo Tintoretto and Titian Vecellio, at the peak of the Renaissance period.

A visitor said, "I've been to Italy twice to see these works, where they are far away. But this time I can see them right here in Shanghai. I feel they are much nearer, more intimate."

The Shanghai World Expo is to begin soon. This kind of cultural exchange is very meaningful.

Two of Botticelli's best renowned works are on display. One is "The Birth of Venus", another is his religious themed work "Adoration of the Magi". It's a rare chance for people outside Italy see these genuine masterpieces.

Antonio Natali, director of Uffizi Gallery, Italy, said, "We hope to bring to China, whose people also boast long standing ancient traditions, the Italian people's way of life, what they eat, and what they wear. We want to show our architecture and our costumes. We've selected the pieces according to these original intentions."

The Italian painting exhibition will run in China for a year. It will be on tour to five other cities including Beijing, Shenyang and Wuhan.