Monday, March 23, 2015

Look Up in Florence!


A group listens to its tour guide in the Palazzo Strozzi.


Much of the interior of the Duomo (except for the floors) is rather plain, but this painting by Giorgio Vasari of the ceiling under the Brunelleschi dome is astonishing.  The perspective is perfect, 
but the ceiling is actually flat.  And, the details are endless.





The previous four images are all from the Museo Nazionale del Bargello, one of the oldest
palaces of Florence.  The museum houses many superb sculptures by Michelangelo, 
Donatello, Cellini and other prominent gothic and Renaissance sculptors.



With all the wonders on the walls of the Uffizi, it is a challenge to look up, 
but the ceilings of the loggia are amazing and reward the viewer.



The Pitti Palace became the residence of the Medici family -- the grand dukes of Tuscany -- in 1549
when it was bought by Eleanor of Toledo, a Spanish noblewoman who married Cosimo de Medici.
The ceilings are masterpieces of Renaissance and Baroque art.  The ceiling in the bottom photo
looks like it is loaded with statuary and mouldings and columns, but it is troupe l'oeil.


17 comments:

Andy said...

Fantastic photos Jack!

Luis Gomez said...

Awesome set of images Jack!

Stefan Jansson said...

I'm sure the handymen of today are happy that this style isn't all that popular today. Amazing work and nice photos.

Kate said...

Almost everything about this city is awesome in the truest sense of the word. I often wonder how it must feel to be here on a daily basis?

Sharon said...

More memories are sweeping over me! Wonderful photos!

PerthDailyPhoto said...

They certainly are Jack, masterpieces that is! Beautifully shown here.

Sylvia K said...

Ah, masterpieces indeed, Jack, everywhere!! Your posts from Italy have been truly awesome and the next best thing to being there myself!! Thank you for sharing the beauty and the history!! Enjoy another week -- camera in hand, of course!!

EG CameraGirl said...

What a treat for you to see these in person!

Tanya Breese said...

ahhhh so much detail everywhere you turn!

RedPat said...

I can't believe that ceiling is flat, Jack! Such great shots you are showing us.

William Kendall said...

You are in a place positively dripping with artistic beauty!

Malyss said...

You remind me such good memories ..

Lois said...

Lovely photos Jack!

Bob Crowe said...

Do be careful of your pockets in Florence if you are looking straight up.

The Pitti Palace was part of the all-the-art-in-Florence-will-drive- you-mad experience.

Randy said...

What a treat for the eyes.

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

What wonderful ceilings, Jack. I have enough trouble just painting a small ceiling with white paint; can't imagine starting out on something like these - even if I had the required talent!

jennyfreckles said...

Oh my, those ceilings. You must be spending half your time with your camera on the floor!