Giovanni Domenico Ferretti (1692–1768), Harlequin and His Lady, 18th century, oil on canvas, 23 1/4 x 19 1/2 in., Haukohl Collection. Photo by MNHA/Tom Lucas.

On view through January 7, 2024, Beyond The Medici: The Haukohl Collection will feature a selection of works from the Haukohl Family Collection, the largest private collection of Florentine Baroque art from the 16th to the 18th centuries, and perhaps the most important outside of Italy. After an extensive 5-year European Tour through Germany, Luxembourg, and Belgium, the exhibition will make its first stop to the U.S., at The Rollins Museum of Art, traveling thereafter to Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, and to the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. The American College Art Museum Tour will advance the humanities and scholastic study of old master art at colleges and universities across the United States.

Assembled over more than 40 years by Houston-based art collector and co-founder of the Medici Archive Project (www.medici.org), Sir Mark Fehrs Haukohl, the collection represents a deep fascination with a particular style of Baroque art, which originated in Florence that is more restrained, more poetic, and less well known than its more extravagant Baroque counterparts in Europe. Florentine 17th century art, as discovered in this exhibition, is richly varied, sensuous and mystical. Comprised of 6 sculptures and 24 paintings (many in their original 17th century frames), one drawing and one textile, the exhibition unveils a trove of this sui generis work.

17th-Century Florentine Sculpture, Saint Michael Archangel, mid-17th century, Polychrome wood, 25 15/64 x 18 57/64 x 11 1/2 in., Haukohl Collection. Photo by MNHA/Tom Lucas. 

The exhibition considers the work in the context of the influential Medici dynasty of bankers and entrepreneurs, whose leadership in Florence played an important role in the unfurling of the Renaissance and Baroque movements through the end of their reign, the Medici’s Grand Duke’s patronage continued to be a powerful driver in the 17th century and for over 400 years all across Europe. Local artists like Cesare and Pier Dandini, Jacopo da Empoli, Mario Balassi, as well as foreigners who settled in Florence like Justus Suttermans, were often employed by the Medici Court.

One core of this magnificent collection is its unique holdings of paintings by three generations of the Dandini family, beginning with Cesare Dandini (1596-1657), a leading master of the early 17th Century. Dandini founded a dynasty of painters of classical themes personified by female figures, whose beauty was calculated to appeal to private collectors. Dandini’s younger brother, Vincenzo (1609-1675), is represented in the exhibition by impressive representations of St. Mark and the goddess Juno. The leader of the younger generations of the dynasty, which extended into the 18th century, was Pietro Dandini (1646-1712) whose large canvas, Esther Swooning Before King Ahasuerus, is a splendidly colorful presence in the show. After collaboration with his father Pietro, Ottaviano Dandini (1681-1740), went on to become a well-documented Uffizi Gallery fresco painter.

Cesare Dandini (1596-1657), Allegory of musical fame, oil on canvas, The Haukohl Family Collection. Photo by MNHA/Tom Lucas.

Beyond The Medici: The Haukohl Collection hopes to demonstrate that the Florentine artists of this time influenced European art history to a far greater extent than art historical research and the general public have previously perceived.

“It is all about the intellect,” explains Sir Mark. “Art education is important to create a balance in today’s world. It is a major thrust that the collection will be used in art classes for student sketching and art history lectures across many disciplines. We look to go beyond this point to expand religious studies, feminist studies, theater and music”.

“The Haukohl collection offers an amazing opportunity for a college art museum like the RMA to shine a spotlight onto a period that often receives only cursory attention in art surveys, yet reveals itself as richly deserving of both artistic, and contextual, study. Opening new doors onto the consequential role of art in society and history is at the core of our mission, and I am most thankful to Sir Mark Fehrs Haukohl for making his collection available to us.” – Ena Heller, Ph.D., Bruce A. Beal Director, RMA.

Vincenzo Dandini (1609-1675), Juno, oil on canvas, The Haukohl Family Collection. Photo by MNHA/Tom Lucas.

THE HAUKOHL COLLECTIONS More than four decades in the making, The Haukohl Collections have generously lent to important museums and exhibitions both in America and abroad. Sir Mark Fehrs Haukohl has focused on the specific area of Florentine Baroque art, a personal passion. His Medici collection has become one of the largest private collections of Florentine Baroque art outside Italy. The Haukohl Collections provide great insight into the early beginnings of the Baroque era in Florence. Sir Mark’s collections of sculpture, drawings and women based 21st century contemporary photography complement the extensive collection of old master paintings and decorative art.

THE ROLLINS MUSEUM OF ART The Rollins Museum of Art features rotating exhibitions, ongoing programs, and an extensive permanent collection of more than 6,000 objects that spans centuries, from examples of ancient art and artifacts to contemporary art. Open to the public year-round, its holdings include the only European Old Master paintings in the Orlando area, a sizeable American art collection, and a forward-thinking contemporary collection on view both at the Museum and The Alfond Inn at Rollins. Located a few blocks from campus, The Alfond Inn is a visionary philanthropic boutique hotel whose proceeds help fund student scholarships. The museum was among the earliest college museums in Florida to be accredited (in 1981) by the American Association of Museums (currently the American Alliance of Museums) and continues in 2021 as one of only four AAM-accredited museums in greater Orlando. For additional information, call 407.646.2526 or visit www.rollins.edu/rma. "Like" the RMA on Facebook and follow on Instagram@rollinsmuseum as well as Twitter@rollinsmuseum.

Pietro (Pier) Dandini (Italian, 1646-1712), Esther Before Ahasuerus, Oil on canvas, 33 31/32 x 57 3/32 in., Haukohl Collection.Photo by MHNA/Tom Lucas.

Antonio Montauti (1683-1746), Portrait of Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527), Florentine historian and politician, polychrome stucco, relief, The Haukohl Family Collection. Photo by MNHA/Tom Lucas.

Onorio Marinari (1617-1716), Madonna and Child. Oil on Canvas, 33.5 x 29.5 in., Haukohl Collection. Photo Credit: MNHA/Tom Lucas

Onorio Marinari (1617-1716), Saint Sebastian, oil on canvas, The Haukohl Family Collection. Photo by MNHA/Tom Lucas.

Onorio Marinari (1617-1716), Apollo with a lyre, oil on canvas, The Haukohl Family Collection. Photo by MNHA/Tom Lucas.

Onorio Marinari (1617-1716), Judith beheading Holofernes, oil on canvas, The Haukohl Family Collection. Photo by MNHA/Tom Lucas.

Alessandro Gherardini (1655-1726), The Annunciation to the Immaculate Virgin, oil on canvas, 13 x 31 x 24 1/64 in.,The Haukohl Family Collection. Photo by MNHA/Tom Lucas. 

Francesco Furini (1603-1646), Allegory of poetry, oil on canvas, The Haukohl Family Collection. Photo by MNHA/Tom Lucas.

Felice Ficherelli (1605-1660), St. Sebastian Tended by Saint Irene. Oil on Canvas, 40.2 x 40.2 in., Haukohl Collection. Photo Credit: MNHA/Tom Lucas

Giovanni Domenico Ferretti (1692–1768), Harlequin and His Lady, 18th century, oil on canvas, 23 1/4 x 19 1/2 in., Haukohl Collection.

Jacopo Da Empoli (1551-1640), The Immaculate Virgin appearing to Saint Hyacinth, oil on copper, The Haukohl Family Collection.

Jacopo Da Empoli (1551-1640), Portrait of a gentleman, oil on copper, The Haukohl Family Collection. 

Tomaso Redi (1665-1726), Saint Philip Neri and the miracle on the voyage to Naples, oil on canvas, The Haukohl Family Collection.

Jacopo Giorgi (1623–1665), Penitent Magdalene, oil on paper, layed down on canvas, The Haukohl Family Collection.