The city of Florence has the Palazzo Vecchio as a symbol of power but also as a source of Roman ruins and Renaissance chambers and paintings. Construction on the fortress-like building began in 1299, designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, above the ruins of the Uberti Ghibelline towers and ancient theater of Florentia, the Roman colony. (Fulceri, Elena) The Palazzo Vecchio began as the official home of the Priors, chief magistrates, and the Gonfaloniere, governing body of the Republic. Ruling Florence and Tuscany, the Medici dynasty lived in their own palace until 1540. “Between 1865 and 1872, during the Italian struggle for unity, it was, for a time, the seat of the government, the Chamber of Deputies, and the Foreign Ministry,” (Rogers, Barbara).
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Built in 1494, the extraordinary hall is 54 meters long, 23 meters wide, and 18 meters in height. “Pier Soderini, who was appointed gonfaloniere for life, selected the two greatest Florentine artists of the time, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti, for the construction of two large murals to decorate the walls of the room, with battle scenes depicting victories of the Republic,” (Fulceri, Elena). Tremendous paintings decorate the walls with Midici and city history. The main feature is Michelangelo’s Genius of Victory (1532-1534), one of his finest pieces that was originally planned for Pope Julius II’s tomb in Rome. The ceiling also includes allegories and scenes of Florence’s and the Medici family’s history in its 38 panels. (Rogers, Barbara) Leonardo and Michelangelo had the opportunity to work face to face for a certain period of time while Leonardo painted the Battle of Anghiari and Michelangelo the Battle of Cascina, but “none of their work was ever completed,” (Fulceri, …show more content…
On the stairs, in passing, is the Alberghettino (prison cell) that held Cosimo the Elder in 1433 before being sent into exile, and Frior Savonarola in 1498. The well known symbol of Florence, and earliest portion of the palace to be built in 1299, has been imitated in churches and towers around world. (Rogers, Barbara) With a height of 95 meters, it serves as ‘the highest civic symbol in the entire city’. (Fulceri, Elena) The Palazzo Vecchio in Florence encompasses the city’s rich history. Exploring the courtyard, Salone dei Cinquecento, and Medici apartments, you will see the rise of power and those who led it. A plethora of artistic and cultural details, that have survived centuries, are all contained within this magnificent fortress. Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci’s works of art are only a sliver of what can be expected from the amazing Renaissance
Built in 1494, the extraordinary hall is 54 meters long, 23 meters wide, and 18 meters in height. “Pier Soderini, who was appointed gonfaloniere for life, selected the two greatest Florentine artists of the time, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti, for the construction of two large murals to decorate the walls of the room, with battle scenes depicting victories of the Republic,” (Fulceri, Elena). Tremendous paintings decorate the walls with Midici and city history. The main feature is Michelangelo’s Genius of Victory (1532-1534), one of his finest pieces that was originally planned for Pope Julius II’s tomb in Rome. The ceiling also includes allegories and scenes of Florence’s and the Medici family’s history in its 38 panels. (Rogers, Barbara) Leonardo and Michelangelo had the opportunity to work face to face for a certain period of time while Leonardo painted the Battle of Anghiari and Michelangelo the Battle of Cascina, but “none of their work was ever completed,” (Fulceri, …show more content…
On the stairs, in passing, is the Alberghettino (prison cell) that held Cosimo the Elder in 1433 before being sent into exile, and Frior Savonarola in 1498. The well known symbol of Florence, and earliest portion of the palace to be built in 1299, has been imitated in churches and towers around world. (Rogers, Barbara) With a height of 95 meters, it serves as ‘the highest civic symbol in the entire city’. (Fulceri, Elena) The Palazzo Vecchio in Florence encompasses the city’s rich history. Exploring the courtyard, Salone dei Cinquecento, and Medici apartments, you will see the rise of power and those who led it. A plethora of artistic and cultural details, that have survived centuries, are all contained within this magnificent fortress. Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci’s works of art are only a sliver of what can be expected from the amazing Renaissance