Florentine Splendor
The splendors of Florence.
Goodness, where to begin?
Florence is, quite simply, a living art gallery with incredible works of art by Michelangelo, Giambologna, Cellini, Bernini, Ghirberti (among others) and, of course, one of the world's most important art galleries - the Uffizi and the Accademia that houses Michelangelo's David.
And Rick Steves' tours included entry and/or introduction to these premier attractions.
Of David. What can I say? Stunning. Spectacular. No pictures allowed so once again you must see him for yourself. You will never regret you did so.
Goodness, where to begin?
Florence is, quite simply, a living art gallery with incredible works of art by Michelangelo, Giambologna, Cellini, Bernini, Ghirberti (among others) and, of course, one of the world's most important art galleries - the Uffizi and the Accademia that houses Michelangelo's David.
And Rick Steves' tours included entry and/or introduction to these premier attractions.
Of David. What can I say? Stunning. Spectacular. No pictures allowed so once again you must see him for yourself. You will never regret you did so.
I was so excited to see the Bernini portrait bust of his mistress Contanza Piccolomini. I almost missed it but fellow traveller Donna pointed it out - THANK YOU DONNA!
The museum guide came up and whispered, "You can take a picture of it." I was very surprised. I did not think pictures were allowed in this museum. I hesitated. She kept nodding. "Si. Si. Yes. Yes. Take it." So I did. Bernini did this bust of her before she had an affair with his brother. When he found out he almost beat his brother to death and in a rage scarred Contanza forever by slashing her face. Then Contanza was arrested and served 4 months as an adulteress before being released back into her husband's care. Bernini didn't suffer any punishments because???.... Because he was Bernini. |
Of the Fountain of Neptune: It was done by Bartholomeo Ammannati in 1563. (I don't think this is the original.) In any case, Michelangelo hated it and thought it was a waste of good marble. And he told Ammannati so, too!
Don't care what you thought Michelangelo. I still like it.
RE: Wild boar fountain - Its nickname is "Il Porcellino" (Italian for piglet). This is a copy but the original was sculpted and cast by Pietro Tacca (1577 - 1640). There is a tradition associated with this boar. Much like the legend of Trevi's fountain in Rome, visitors put a coin into the boar's mouth and if it falls down into the grate below it guarantees a return to Florence.
Rubbing its snout brings good luck. As you can see, all that rubbing on the snout has polished it to a high sheen in comparison to the rest of the body.
I rubbed its snout.
I placed a coin in its mouth.
Yes? Well? So?
It rolled out of the mouth and into the grate below!
I'll be going to Florence again! Yahoo!
Don't care what you thought Michelangelo. I still like it.
RE: Wild boar fountain - Its nickname is "Il Porcellino" (Italian for piglet). This is a copy but the original was sculpted and cast by Pietro Tacca (1577 - 1640). There is a tradition associated with this boar. Much like the legend of Trevi's fountain in Rome, visitors put a coin into the boar's mouth and if it falls down into the grate below it guarantees a return to Florence.
Rubbing its snout brings good luck. As you can see, all that rubbing on the snout has polished it to a high sheen in comparison to the rest of the body.
I rubbed its snout.
I placed a coin in its mouth.
Yes? Well? So?
It rolled out of the mouth and into the grate below!
I'll be going to Florence again! Yahoo!