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Images of profound beauty breathe life into Florence. Whether it is
the view of the magnificent terracotta Cathedral dome rising above
medieval rooftops or Boticelli's Venus rising from the ocean foam, the
spirit of Florence lives on in the perfect works of her greatest artists.
From the 14th to 16th centuries, Florence was a political and cultural
powerhouse with wealthy patrons that supported such artists as Raphael,
Michelangelo, and Leonardo Da Vinci. The grace of Florence is to be
found in her museums, churches, and architecture which makes Florence a
city that can be appreciated all the year round.
Containing many important pieces from the Renaissance, the the art
collection of the Galleria degli Uffizi (Uffizi Gallery) was bestowed to
Florence by the Medici Family on the condition that it never leave the
city. Major works include Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Primavera, as
well as Leonardo Da Vinci's Annunciation. The collection is structured
in such a way as to show the development of Italian techniques and
ideas ranging from the medieval art of Duccio and Giotto through to the
later Renaissance works of Titian, Tintoretto, and Raphael.
Truly, the majesty of Florence is seen from the inside. Art lovers and
students will never want to leave. The Museo Nazionale de Bargello,
which was once a prison, now houses sculptures from Michelangelo and
Donatello. Inside the Galleria dell'Accademia lives Michelangelo's
defining work - David. Cut from a single block of marble, David stands over
14 feet tall. Also in the gallery, held captive in blocks of marble, are
Michelangelo's Slaves. Michelangelo intentionally left these four
pieces unfinished and the effect utilizes the medium well - the slaves
struggle to escape the marble that contains them.
Commonly regarded as the birthplace of the Renaissance, much of the
Florence's cultural advantage is due to the generosity and patronage of
the Medici family. The Medici originally descended from north of Florence
and fully came into power under Cosimo Il Vecchio. Cosimo's grandson,
Lorenzo de' Medici (1449-1492), known as Il Magnifico, nurtured and
ruled Florence at her artistic and political zenith. It was Il Magnifico
who supplied Michelangelo Buonarroti with his first block of marble.
Florence is truly an artistic treasure trove. Whole sections of the
city seem to contain a major artwork in every building - the sheer
quantity is almost overwhelming. The beauty of Florence is her ability to
transport the visitor to another realm, offering a glimpse of the
sublime through art.
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