Museums
A Tour of Florence Museums
Florence museums are known around the world to house some of the world?s greatest masterpieces by the masters of each era of the art world. Trends in painting and sculpture have set the pace for others and made times in history immortal. The art work of Florence tells the tales of the Birth of Christ, His crucifixion and resurrection. It tells of fashion trends and how the world viewed beauty. Each element of the world?s history has been captured in the art found in the museums and galleries of Florence.
The Uffizi Gallery
Perhaps one of the most well known galleries in Florence the Uffizi is home to the Botticelli?s Birth of Venus. The list of artists reads like a who?s who of the greatest and includes Da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Rubens.
The Accademia
At the Accademia you will find the world famous David by Michelangelo. It also home to a large collection of Renaissance paintings, but is better know for the sculptures of Michelangelo including the Palerstria Pieta.
The Baptistery
The Baptistery is so old its date is not really known, but it is understood to be one of the oldest monuments in Florence. The exterior fa?ade houses three arches that are adorned with sculptures and marble decorations. The doors are pieces of art in and of themselves. They are gilded in bronze and date back to the 14th and 15th century. Panels from the original dome have been removed and restored and are now housed at the Museum of the Opera del Duomo.
Gallery of Modern Art
Florence is so well known for its Renaissance era works that many people overlook the fact that the Gallery of Modern Art houses 18th, 19th and 20th century works that are modern by comparison in a city so old. The museum is located on the second floor of the Pitti Place. Here you find familiar works by Cezanne, Gauguin, and Grassi and others who adopted the style and techniques of French artists. Equestrians will particularly enjoy the works of sculptor Marino Marini.
The Horne Museum
Named after the English art collector Herbert P. Horne, this museum blends art with a history of life during the Italian Renaissance. The furnishings and accessories along with the architecture itself are a reflection of this rich era. Artwork ranges from the 14th to 17th centuries and includes pieces from Cafaggiolo, Urbino, and Orvieto.
The Silver Museum
This museum houses an interesting collection of objects from the various dynasties ranging from the Medici through the Lorraine. There is great diversity in the pieces of jewellery, gems, semi-precious tones and various art objects. These are all from eras in time when a rich life and extravagance were the norm. One of the most valuable pieces housed here is a collection of vases by Lorenzo the Magnificent.
This small sprinkling of museums only touches the surface of possible historical sites in Florence. Florence is home to more than 50 museums, galleries, or architectural wonders that make this city a place one could visit for weeks and still not take it all in.
Peter J. Wilson's short articles can be found on a large number of online sites with reference to Italy and Tuscany. His articles on Florence museums can be found on www.florence-italy-guide.com/florence-museums.html and other online sites. |
Peter J. Wilson
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