By Xiao Wu, video by Xingchen Yue, iChongqing

Chongqing - The long-awaited Mona Lisa’s Smile & Renaissance - The Collections of Bellini Family exhibition will debut in Chongqing Art Museum on April 26. The 100-day display of more than 170 original artworks of Renaissance is a beautiful gift from Florence to Chongqing people.

The unboxing ceremony of 3 representative artworks from the exhibition took place on April 24, which gave the public a glimpse into the stunning collections that will debut in Chongqing Art Museum.

The curator and the 21st heir of Bellini family, Mr. Luigi Bellini joined the unboxing ceremony. “This is a great occasion for the cultural exchange between Italy and China,” said Mr. Bellini whose family has been dedicated to artwork collections for over 600 years.  

The staff gently and carefully unboxed the wooden containers. In warm applause, 3 artworks one by one met the public. The first one is the Jesus Sculpture which was the work of the designer of Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore. The second one unboxed was a silver crown dated back to the 17^th century, which belonged to the Pope. As all eyes were on the exquisite and aged crown, Mr. Bellini took it from the staff’s hand and waved to a girl in the audience to come. He smiled at the girl and unexpectedly he put the crown on the girl’s head. Everyone was surprised and touched by the action. Later the lucky girl told iChongqing about the experience of wearing the crown "I was too excited to move. The crown is very heavy but I'm so happy." The last one to meet the audience is the Mona Lisa’s smile, which has attracted wide attention. Although it’s not the same one in Louvre, it is a fantastic artwork that drew with similar excellence at the same time as Leonardo Da Vinci.

Mr. Bellini put on the crown on the girl's head.

The Mona Lisa's Smile painting unboxed.

In the upcoming exhibition, the painting Assumption of St Mary drew by Ghirlandaio, the teacher of Michelangelo, will also meet the audience. This painting has been hanging on the wall Bellini Family generation by generation, which is regarded as one of the most precious collection in the family.

The painting Assumption of St Mary drew by Ghirlandaio, the teacher of Michelangelo.

“This is the first time that artworks of such a big quantity and value arrived in Chongqing. It is a very good start” Mr. Jackie Zhang told iChongqing, the CEO of HONG YI JIU ZHOU International Culture and Art Development Co., Ltd, which helped to import the artworks of the exhibition.

“This is a great opportunity to appreciate the genuine artwork of Renaissance from Italy for Chongqing people. I will take my families and friends to come to enjoy the exhibition.” Said Mrs. Zhao, an audience on the unboxing ceremony.