The Uffizi Gallery is hosting the 'Divina Simulacra' exhibition until June 30.

The exhibit features some of the Uffizi's most famous ancient statues including the Medici Venus, the Wrestlers, the Marsya and the Knife Grinder. Visitors have the opportunity to see art pieces in a context which highlights details that would not be evident in their usual location.

One highlight of the exhibition is the Medici Venus, a Roman marble copy of a Hellenistic original, portraying the goddess Venus emerging from the sea, now displayed in a way that visitors can see it up close.

The Medici Venus was a symbol of beauty and love during the Renaissance and remains an iconic representation of classical art. It is surrounded by the Venus Aurea and the Caelestis for the first time since the 18th century, juxtaposing the various elements of the three statues.

The Wrestlers, a Hellenistic sculpture dating back to the 2nd century BCE, is also on display. This dynamic portrayal of two athletes engaged in combat captures the essence of physical prowess and competition in ancient Greece. The sculpture's intricate details such as the strained muscles and contorted expressions demonstrate the skill of the artist in conveying movement and emotion through stone.

Among the lesser-known pieces in the exhibition is the Marsya, a marble sculpture depicting the mythical satyr Marsyas. According to Greek mythology, Marsyas dared to

challenge the God Apollo in a musical contest and was subsequently flayed alive as punishment for his hubris.

It's depiction of Marsyas's agony and despair serves as a cautionary tale against the consequences of challenging divine authority—a theme that resonated deeply with Renaissance audiences.

Another artwork featured in 'Divina Simulacra' is the Knife Grinder, a Roman marble sculpture of a young boy sharpening a knife on a whetstone, a sculpture which exemplifies the skill of ancient craftsmen in capturing the everyday life of ordinary people.

The Knife Grinder's inclusion in the exhibition highlights the Uffizi Gallery's commitment to showcasing not only grandiose mythological narratives but also the beauty found in the simplicity of daily existence.

The 'Divina Simulacra' also brings together replicas of classical marble groups such as the Dancing Faun of the Tribuna and the Seated Nymph of the 'Invitation to Dance'—both significant pieces of Hellenistic collections from the Micro-Asiatic area.

The Dancing Faun, depicting a man standing mid-dance with a grin on his face, captures the lively movement and expression which is characteristic of Greek sculpture. In contrast, the Seated Nymph displays the grace and elegance of ancient Greek artistry, sitting gracefully with her legs crossed.

The exhibition–accessible from Tuesday to Sunday, 8:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., in the Uffizi ground floor rooms–offers a deeper understanding of ancient art and its enduring significance in the modern world.