Civic Museum~ art and pici

 

Francesco Crociani (1781-1861) was a priest of Montepulicano’s cathedral.  But in addition, he was also a keen collector of medieval art and paintings of the 17^th and 18^th centuries.  He had a glorious home, which is now the setting for the Civic Museum.  On his death, he gave his art collection, over 200 works, to the city.  It makes for a nice getaway from the food and wine scene, I must say.  It’s small, quiet and I love the way you move from one layer/level to another.  You begin by going down some steps and there you see the Etruscan stone base of the structure.  Then you move up, one level after another.

There is, of course, the requisite Etruscan pieces:

And a rich collection of medieval art by important artists like Margherita of Arezzo:

One one wall they feature 3 different portraits of Mary, from different 'schools', that is, from Siena to Florence to Arezzo, and it is interesting how different they are.  From stylization to coloration to tone.  So interesting:

I was very excited to go home and cook dinner.  One of my teachers recommended that I make a certain sauce that is very traditional of this area.  So, yes.  I'll do it.

First you slice up a huge clove of the giant garlic that is grown here in Valdichiano.  And some glorious tomatoes that you just cut in half.  No dicing.  

Throw it is a pan with some olive oil and just let it cook.  You add a tiny bit of water now and then, but just let the tomatoes cook and shrivel and release their juices.  A few bits of basil can be thrown in.

Cook your hand-made pici in salted water and add a bit of the pasta water to the sauce.  When the pasta is done, empty it into a colander and then immediately put it in the pan with the sauce.  Toss it.

And then enjoy it, with a glass of vino Nobile and a view of Montepulciano.  What are you waiting for?  Come on over!