You would need a lifetime to visit all the artworks on display in Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. Unless you have that long, here are some of the important works you can’t miss on your visit.
Artwork in Florence
1. Birth of Venus
What: Sandro Botticelli’s masterpiece depicts the Greek goddess Venus standing nude on a giant scallop shell as she emerges from the sea after her birth.
Where: Uffizi Gallery
Why: The Birth of Venus is one of the world’s most recognised paintings. If you have never seen a reproduction, garden sculpture or pop culture rip-off, what are you even doing in an art gallery?
2. Michelangelo’s David
What: Michelangelo’s marble sculpture of David before his battle with Goliath, standing tensely with a sling over his left shoulder.
Where: You can see a replica outside the Palazzo Vecchio, but nothing beats the real thing at the Galleria dell’Accademia
Why: As you admire David in the flesh, be amazed by the detail in Michelangelo’s sculpting, such as the definition of the veins in David’s right hand.
3. Gates of Paradise
What: The impressive bronze gilded doors by Lorenzo Ghilberti consist of ten panels depicting biblical scenes from the Old Testament.
Where: The east side of the Baptistery of San Giovanni
Why: The incredibly intricate work took Ghilberti 27 years to complete and even Michelangelo described them as fit for the gates of heaven. Plus, you can see them for free!
4. Donatello’s David
What: David was a popular subject of Renaissance sculpture and Donatello has his bronze interpretation of the hero wearing a hat and boots, standing over the head of his gigantic opponent.
Where: Bargello National Museum
Why: Donatello’s David was the first free standing nude since classical antiquity and represents an important step of the “rebirth” of this style after the Middle Ages.
5. Venus of Urbino
What: Titian’s oil painting of Venus reclining on a bed in a domestic setting is an unusually overtly sexual depiction of the goddess.
Where: Uffizi Gallery
Why: The confrontational stare of Venus aimed directly at the viewer, was highly influential in future works, most notably Edouard Manet’s Olympia.
6. Brunelleschi’s Dome
What: The red brick dome of the Florence Duomo, dominates the Florentine skyline and should be admired from all angles.
Where: You can view the dome from outside the Florence Duomo, enter to admire the interior and climb to the top, or enjoy spectacular views from afar at Piazzale Michelangelo.
Why: The dome is an iconic symbol of Florence and a feat of engineering that has stood the test of time.
Recommended Florence Tours: Florence Day Tour with Accademia & Uffizi Galleries
Price: €129
Company: Sightseeing Tours Italy
Related article: Guide to Florence
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Violet Cowells is an Australian blogger with a love for all things new! Violet is the owner at Violet's Voyage.
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