50th Wedding Anniversary in Italy - Art in Florence

The Marzocco Lion

Art was everywhere in Florence!  We made time for seven different museums in just as many days in addition to unscheduled adventures around Florence's Historic Core.  Some museums required advanced passes so we were prepared.  I'm including a small fraction of my favorite art and artifacts on this post and hope it sparks the reader's interest to click on the links throughout this post for much more information and photos or better yet, to visit these places yourself! 

Here are the 7 different museums we experienced with links for those readers that just want the facts less my personal experiences from the best sights I found online.  Otherwise, scroll down:

1.  The Duomo Complex - Dome, Baptistery, Cathedral, Santa Reparata (crypt), Museum

2.  The Academia

3.  The Uffizi Galleries

4.   Palazzo Vecchio

5.  Piazza della Signoria & Loggia dei Lanzi

6.  The Bargello National Museum

7.  The Leonardo da Vinci Museum

This is my eighth and final post about our trip to Italy in 2024.  It is really long as I took the summer months to research further and enjoy.  It is mostly photos with lots of links for more information.  Just like our actual trip, I didn't want it to come to an end!  If this is the first post you are viewing, please consider going back to the beginning of our trip in June 2024 for the full story.  The Blog Archive is on the right and easy to find from the Home Page.   I know I will be returning many times; one way or another!

If you are sensitive to nudity in art, get out now!  But first, please consider the following quote from Fr. Bryon Miller, CSsR/Dear Padre.org (8/18/2024) when asked if naked statues, like Michelangelo's David, are really appropriate for public viewing:

"It is helpful to consider if the artwork depicts the body to heighten transcendence, or to objectify the body to satisfy basic instincts.  Art is admittedly subjective, and the interpretation of nudity in true art is in the eye of the beholder.  Nudity can evoke feelings of shame for some; for others, the nude body in art can be an aesthetic experience of illuminated grace in humanity, and ultimately in the glory of our Maker for all his gifts - including the gift of Christ's resurrection that restored us to the original image and likeness intended by our Creator.  

Since ancient times, the nude human form was a common subject in art.  The intention is to draw the viewer to a better appreciation of the human body's natural beauty.  However, nudity is often associated with sexuality, and for some, sexuality is equated with sin.  

In his series of addresses about the theology of the body, St. John Paul II expounded on original nakedness that was referred to in Scripture:  'Man tries to cover the real origin of fear with the shame of his own nakedness (Genesis 3:10).  In the state of original innocence nakedness did not express a lack.  Rather, it represented full acceptance of the body...(Real Significance of Original Nakedness, 1980).'

So to answer the question, assuming the purpose of the artist is to inspire, and the atmosphere in which the statue is viewed is conductive to such inspiration, yes, such a public display is appropriate."

There was an event in Florence's history known as the Bonfire of the Vanities that took place on the eve before Lent on February 7, 1497 on the public square known as the Piazza della Signoria.  It is an interesting read about the historical aspect of book burning and judgement of art.  It did not end well for Dominican frier Girolamo Savonarola.  

The art in both Rome and Florence is predominately about Christian history - Old and New Testaments. The ancient pagan Roman and Greek art is preserved as the techniques used influenced all art and architecture.  The Medici family of Florence (1434 to1737) were the major political power and patrons of the arts during the Renaissance.  They sponsored artists, architects, sculptors, and writers.  Florence became a cultural and artistic center and the art capital of the Western world because of their patronage; especially Lorenzo de'Medici (1449-1492) aka Medici the Magnificent.  So much of the art of Florence still reflects the historic drama, influence, and power of the Medici family dynasty which ended in the mid-1700s. 

My favorite artists during this period are Leonardo da Vinci, Alessandro di Mariano di Vanni Filipepi Botticelli (aka Sandro Botticelli), Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino,  and Michelangelo Buonarroti.  I have included the works of a variety of artists.

In Florence, we were staying just a couple blocks from the Duomo Complex which is the city center and all these museums were walking distance covering the area from the River Arno to the south and The Academia on the north.  

1. The Duomo Complex 

Consists of 5 parts:  

Brunelleschi's Dome

The Baptistry

Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral &

Santa Reparata (crypt)

Opera del Duomo Museum (3 floors)

Giotto's Bell Tower (no inside photos from me)

Brunelleschi's Dome:

View of Brunelleschi's Dome from the balcony of our apartment in Florence with Keith and Beti

View of Brunelleschi's Dome from the balcony of our apartment in Florence at night

View of Brunelleschi's Dome at night from the Piazza (plaza) 

Golden Ball by Verrochio

(top of the dome cupola)

Herringbone Brick Pattern

The Last Judgement (1572-79) by Giorgio Vasari, Federico Zuccaro 

(top portion of the dome)

The Last Judgement (1572-79) by Giorgio Vasari, Federico Zuccaro 

(middle portion of the dome)

The Last Judgement (1572-79) by Giorgio Vasari, Federico Zuccaro 

(lower portion of the dome)

The Baptistry:

Sculpture group of the Baptism of Christ by Andrea Sansovino and Vincenzo Danti over Bronze Door - The East Portal (Gates of Paradise) by Lorenzo Ghiberti

Bronze Door up close - The East Portal (The Gates of Paradise) by Lorenzo Ghiberti

Inside floor to ceiling

Upper wall to ceiling

Apse in the baptistry with alter 

Mosaic Dome

St. John the Baptist (1688) by Giuseppe Piamontini in marble, gold, & bronze 

Baptismal Font (1371) attributed to a follower of Andrea Pisano 

 Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral & 

Santa Reparata (crypt):

Facade of the Cathedral (1880-1888) next to Giotto's Bell Tower

Bronze Door with Keith

Nave

Clock with fresco portraits of prophets by Paolo Uccello (1443)

Dome inside the cupola over the alter

Stained glass windows

Crucifix underground in the crypt (12th century)

Mosaic floor covered with quarry stone masonry underground in the crypt

Opera del Duomo Museum:

There was just so much to like here! Please click on the links under The Duomo Complex above for more information and photos with so many of my favorites!  I've just added a few additional favorites below.  We didn't go inside Giotto's Bell Tower.  

Many of the original artworks from the baptistry, campanila, and cathedral are displayed in this museum while reasonably good copies are still gracing these buildings.  I especially liked the artifacts of the original tools and equipment used in building the dome.  The Hall of Paradise is the name given the space between the baptistry and the church.

In this hall can be seen the original sculptures of the Gothic western facade of the cathedral and the original bronze doors and the sculptures of the baptistry. It is good that so much original art was moved inside out of the weather!

Original tools and equipment used in building the dome

2.  The Academia

This museum founded in 1873 is best known as the home of the original Michelangelo's 17' marble sculpture David.  It also includes a large collection of paintings by Florentine artists from 1300-1600.  The original intention was to create a museum celebrating Michelangelo's fourth century birthday.  Now it includes a small collection of Michelangelo's unfinished work and the original plaster casts of many famous sculptures as well as art relating to botany, music, art symbols, and painting techniques.  Of course, David is the main attraction!

As the second most visited museum in Florence, The Academia is much smaller and specialized than the Uffizi Gallery, the main art museum and most visited.  

Michelangelo's David (1501-1504) - the original

David's Hand

David's Head

David and Beti

The Rape of the Sabines by Giambologna (1579-1583) - original plaster cast.  The term "rape" does not mean sexual violation; rather, the founding men of Rome abducted neighboring women to populate their city; sometimes referred to as "rapture."

The Pentecost (1365-1370) by Orcagnaj

3. The Uffizi Galleries

This is huge!  I highly suggest to have a plan to go early and at least rent the headphone guide to get around as it can be overwhelming.  Take a break at the cafe on the top floor.  The gift shop is on the main floor. 

The Birth of Venus (1485) by Alessandro Filipepi, detto Botticelli 

Spring (1480) by Alessandro Filipepi, detto Botticelli.

Statue of Hercules slaying the Centaur Nessus, Ancient Roman Art restored in part by Giovanni Caccini (1556-1613)  

The Baptism of Christ (1475) by Andrea Del Vercocchio & Leonardo da Vinci (apprenticed)

Testa di Medusa (1597) By Caravaggio, Michelangelo Merisi, detto (This is actually a shield) 

The Annunciation(1472-5) by Leonardo da Vinci

Saints Margaret and Mary Magdalene with Maria Portinari (1476) by Hugo Van Der Goes

Portrait of a Young Man Holding a Medallion (1475) by Alessandro Filipepi, detto Botticelli 

Madonna and Child with Young St. John the Baptist (1505-1506) by Raffaello Sanzio

Madonna and Child Enthroned with... (1487-1488) by Alessandro Filipepi, detto Botticelli

4.  Palazzo Vecchio

This is the "palace" on the "plaza" and the active seat of government for the city of Florence.  The history is rich and it is interesting to observe how much art and history are intertwined here especially to represent the Medici Dynasty. 

Putto with a Dolphin (1470-80) by Andrea del Vercocchio (original)

First Courtyard with Putto with Dolphin (copy) in the middle by Vercocchio and frescoes of Austrian cities on the wall by Vasarierri

Hall of Lilies. Overview

Hall of Lilies - Judith and Holofernes (1460) by Donatello

Hall of Geographical Maps

Sala Dell'udienza (1545) by Francesco Salviati

Chapel of the Priors - Mary with Baby Jesus & St. Elizabeth with Baby John (the Baptist)

Mosaic Medal Cabinet (15th Century) as described by our soft-spoken tour guide, Glenda

Mosaic Medal Cabinet (15th Century) - detail of the bird panel

Mosaic Medal Cabinet (15th Century) - close view of the Villa la Petraia panel in the center

Hall of 500 - Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci painted the frescos on either side 

Quarters of the Elements - Birth of Venus 

Quarters of the Elements - Fruits of Earth offered to Saturn 

Quarters of the Elements - Fruits of Earth offered to Saturn showing Fortuna with turtle and sail close up

Staircase with Frescoed Vault representing Life of Hercules

Secret Passage Door

Apartments of Leo X - ceiling

5. Piazza della Signoria & Loggia dei Lanzi

The Piazza della Signoria is the plaza. It is the government center with the main building, Palazzo Vecchio "Old Palace," as the city's town hall.  The Loggia dei Lanzi is the open building with columns next to it used for public assemblies.  Connected to the Palazzo Vecchio by a kilometer-long passageway is the Uffizi Gallery as it was originally the city's administrative and judicial offices (1560-1580) but converted to an art gallery in1584 and open to the public in 1765.  The Uffizi Gallery is located behind the Loggia dei Lanzi.

There's a lot of art in this area!  I can hardly keep up with the changes of art in this area throughout the history of Florence as some originals have been moved indoors then replaced with copies.  Some art was moved around and/or restored, some sculptures and frescoes removed, and then much was burned during the infamous Bonfire of the Vanities, and then there's some modern art that comes and goes.  The art history is fascinating!

Here's a small sample of my favorites:

Cosimo I de Medici (1519-1574) Grand Duke of Tuscany on Horse by Giambologna in bronze (1587-1594)

Fountain of Neptune by Bartolomeo Ammannati (1565)

Replica (1910) of Michelangelo's David in the sculpture's original position outside in front of the Palazzo Vecchio.  The original was moved inside the Academia in 1873.

Hercules and Cacus by Baccio Bandinnelli (1525-1534) 

Rendition of the lost-to-weather, fully gilded, 1377 original Marzocco Lion Statue with Red Lily Emblem of Florence (1418-20) by Donatello.  The original was placed in the Loggia dei Lanzi but was moved indoors to the Bargello in 1885 when a replica was placed outside the Palazzo Vecchio. 

   

The Rape of the Sabine Woman by Giambologna (1579-1583) is based on a legend of early Roman history.  The term "rape" does not mean sexual violation; rather, the founding men of Rome abducted neighboring women to populate their city; sometimes referred to as "rapture."

Hercules and the Centaur (1549-1599) by Giambologna with  Francavilla

Ulpia Mariana (110-120 CE) - a Roman Woman

The Corpse of Petroclus (Flavian Era 1st Century CE)

Rape of Polyxena by Pio Fedi (1866) - The term "rape" does not mean sexual violation; rather, the founding men of Rome abducted neighboring women to populate their city; sometimes referred to as "rapture."

Overview of the Loggia at night including Perseus holding the severed Head of Medusa by Benvenuto Cellini (1545-1554)

Piazza dela Signoria overview at night from the front door of Palazzo Vecchio between Adam (right) and Eve (left).  Hercules and Cacus is in front of Eve and David (copy) in front of Adam.

Cosimo I de Medici (1519-1574) Grand Duke of Tuscany on Horse by Giambologna in bronze (1587-1594) at night with the Palazzo Vecchio and full moon the the left and the Loggia dei Lanzi on the right.

6.  Bargello National Museum

Crowned Lion

Bronze Cannon

The Fisher Boy by Vincenzo Gemito (1874-1876) bronze

Oceano by Palazzo (1571)

Fountain for the Sala Grande (1555) marble, reconstructed

Bacchus by Michelangelo Buonarroti (1496-1497) marble

Dawn & Dusk by Niccolò di Raffaello di Niccolò dei Pericoli 

(1534-1537) terracotta

Adam & Eve by Caccio Bandinelli (1551) marble

Eve's Feet - Adam & Eve by Caccio Bandinelli (1551) marble

Flying Mercury by Giambolognia (1580) bronze -  

the artist's most famous work

David by Donatello (1440-1457) bronze - 

the artist's most famous work

The remaining 8 photos are overviews of several rooms loaded with art and artifacts in the Bargello National Museum.  This museum is the least crowded we visited and one that is easy to drop in during the day.  It has a large variety of interests likely because the fortified government building had different uses throughout history and is the oldest public building.

7. Leonardo da Vinci Museum

This is an interactive museum that takes about an hour to see everything and have some hands-on time with projects that were constructed in modern times from Leonardo da Vinci's sketches.  My Czech cousin Lucie chose this museum for us to see and appreciate the great genius of this artist in different ways.  

Vitruvian Man  - a drawing by Leonardo da Vinci that depicts a nude man in two superimposed positions, with his arms and legs touching the perimeters of both a square and a circle.  This drawing is considered one of da Vinci's best-known works and is often reproduced in art, science, and commerce.  Here it was included with a timeline of da Vinci's works and events.

So many things we have in modern times had the original concepts sketched in da Vinci's books.  That's as far as many got and not produced.  Many were constructed in our time directly from these ideas so we can observe and operate in this museum. It was an interesting and fun time to spend with family!   

I included just a few examples here:

Bicycle

Diving Suit

Hands-on dome building with my Czech cousins Lucie, her father Paul, and my husband Keith

Machine Gun with Keith and Paul

My Grand Finale Selfie in this tiny "closet" of mirrors!

That's it!  This is my final post about our 50th Wedding Anniversary in Italy that took place in Rome and Florence, Italy May 2024. I think I may have enjoyed researching more details and writing about my experience as much as I have enjoyed organizing and viewing all the photos again over the past four months  I invite the reader to come back again and again to enjoy any or all of the eight posts I wrote about this trip.  I know I will!

In conclusion, this past week, Keith and I had a wonderful experience in Branson, Missouri which is less than a couple hours from where we live.  Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel the Exhibition was an up-close life-size never-before-seen perspective that began a week ago and runs until March 2025.  We topped it off with a lunch at Olive Garden.  

It was Italy...Branson-style! 

Located at The Shoppes in Branson Meadows, Branson, Missouri

Overview of about 1/4 of the exhibition

The Last Judgement

Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary!