VENICE - On Monday, Venice’s Gallerie dell’Accademia reopened its doors to the public, welcoming more than 150 visitors in the morning alone. Tickets to see the world’s largest collection of Venetian art were sold out for the 8:15-14:15 viewing on Monday.

  Crowds arrived to see Lorenzo Lotto’s masterpiece entitled: the “Sacred Conversation with Saint Catherine and Thomas”, which had come from the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. The extraordinary use of blues and greens which have been meticulously applied, as well as the colour of the red mantle on which the saints are located facilitates “conversation.” The portrait of nature evokes a palpable feeling of divine and true tranquillity. As Philip Pouncey, English art historian, puts it, “in Vienna there is a painting where you can hear the buzzing of the bees.” The unique chance to see this work lasts until Feb. 21.

  The gallery’s visitors, all of whom have been from the Venetian region, have enjoyed admiring Lotto’s craftsmanship as well as appreciating “reclaiming” a sense of heritage, which reinstates hope and beauty, during this difficult period.

  Guilio Manierei Elia, the gallery director, expressed his joy for “this first great turnout”. The overwhelmingly favourable reception by the local community is a “sign of pride and positivity” regarding the public re-launching of culture and art into our lives, says Manierei Elia.

  Until this coming Friday, free talks, organised my museum staff, will be available. They will delve into relationships between works, by unravelling new information about the paintings. This experience will be included in the entrance fee.

  The museum is open from Monday to Friday, respecting the Covid rules that have been put in place. In order to enter, a booking is not necessarily required. For updates consult the Gallerie dell’Accademia’s website:  www.gallerieaccademia.it/

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