FLORENCE: BARGELLO MUSEUM

The Bargello Museum is housed in one of the oldest buildings in Florence, dating to 1255 CE.  Originally a police headquarters, then a palace, in the 18th century it served as a prison, ultimately becoming a museum in the mid-19th century.  Although the building's exterior is unremarkable, the central courtyard on the interior is beautiful.  Geri and I and another couple chose to visit the museum during free time on our Italian tour.

First, here is a shot of the interior courtyard, featuring Geri and Cheryl in the lower right.

Sculptures dominate the museum's artwork.  One of the more interesting pieces was a David by Donatello, rendered in dark bronze.

What made this more interesting is that David is portrayed full length, carrying a sword and wearing only hat and boots (not shown).  Certainly a different representation from Michelangelo's.

And here is another work by Donatello, this time a bust of Niccolò da Uzzano.

One of the stranger sculptures, for me at least, was this carved painted wood statue of St. Bernadino of Siena by Lorenzo.

An incredibly dour individual and note what he is standing on--the heads of babies/cherubs?!  I'm sure there is a symbolism that I am missing.

Another notable piece was of Mercury by Giambologna.

And here is another sculpture, this time in stone, also by Giambologna.

I felt that I captured this piece, rendered in black & white, better than some of the others.

The museum isn't devoted exclusively to sculpture in the traditional sense.  There were ceramics and other smaller works of note, such as this, delicate, beautifully carved piece.

The Bargello is a wonderful museum, a hidden gem of sorts, overshadowed by other museums, such as the Accademia and the Uffizi.  But I would recommend it highly.  Unfortunately, my photography simply didn't do it justice.

John