For me the highlight of the opera’s collection are the 2 exquisite cantorie by Donatello and Luca della Robbia. Originally a part of the duomo, these beauties are preserved in the museum where they are exhibited up high as they would have appeared in the cathedral. I am in their thrall.
First up, the Donatello:
Now, moving across the room to the Luca della Robbia masterwork:
The extraordinary riches in this museum require many posts! Here is part 3 of my recent visit.
The next 2 labels deal with the custom of collecting relics some of the ones preserved in Florence:
Now on to the amazing bell tower in the duomo complex.
For more of these relief sculptures that form the program on the bell tower, see my earlier post:https://laurettadimmick.com/2020/05/25/charmed-by-the-late-medieval-carvings-at-the-museo-dellopera-di-duomo-firenze/
More artworks from my continuing visits of the art museum last week. First up, some Roman art that was to be found in Florence during the Renaissance. Always a source and inspiration for new artists.
Michelangelo’s late Pieta is now undergoing restoration in the museum:
Some Medieval paintings in the museum:
San Zanobi:
3 of Florence’s special saints: Reparata, San Zanobi, and St. John the Baptist:
One of Donatello’s masterpieces: the Mary Magdalene:
There is a lot to absorb in this incredibly rich museum and I decided to take it in chunks this week. After two great visits, I still need to go back to take in more. Soon.
An elegant, Gothic period, sculptural pas de deux of The Annunciation. It has always been my favorite episode represented in Christian art.
The museum has ingeniously set up the famous bronze doors of the Baptistery so that both the front and back sides can be viewed.
Entering the room that sets up the original, 15th century appearance of the duomo’s facade. Such an impressive feat for a museum.
Great museum labeling provides context. Below, it is explained how the area between the baptistery and the facade of a church was traditionally called a “paradise.” Therefore, Ghiberti’s “Doors of Paradise” so-named by Michelangelo, can be understood in situ.
Below, Pope Boniface VIII by Arnolfo di Cambio, the duomo’s architect.
A reconstruction of the facade:
A plan of the facade:
And now, the second set of doors, for the north side of the Baptistery by Ghiberti:
Above and below, the Annunciation by Ghiberti:
The Gates of Paradise by Ghiberti:
Above you see Ghiberti’s self-portrait in the bust that extend:
The doors by Andrea Pisano for south side of the Baptistery. There were the first of the 3 sets to be done.
A view of the 3 sets of doors as displayed in the museum.
Taking full advantage of the open door policy for residents, today I happily visited the cathedral’s Museo. I’m a greedy little art historian: tomorrow I will pay the museum another visit. Because I can! Oh, the luxury of living in Florence! I feel so blessed.
I was beguiled by the carvings for the cathedral, created in the 1330s, by Andrea Pisano and his workshop. Please join me in enjoying their naive loveliness:
God creating Adam:
Can Eve be far behind? No!
You know what follows. Eventually Adam is going to have to go to work.
Jubal: the beginning of sheep herding. Complete with his tent and little dog.
Jubal: the beginning of the art of music:
Tubalcain, the beginning of the art of metal work:
The Drunkenness of Noah: the beginning of wine making:
The art of building:
The art of medicine:
The art of weaving:
The beginning of law making:
Perhaps, since I spend some time teaching English online to children in China, I really liked “grammatica”
Here’s “architecture”
And here is Phidias, who was the first famous sculptor:
The sacrament of baptism:
Appelles, the art of painting:
And an image that soothed my soul: “Reconciliation”
But, today, of all the stunning things I saw, I like this one best of all. The Madonna and Child by Andrea Pisano’s workshop:
I love, love, love the way the madonna seems to genuinely enjoy the humor of the Christ child, as she tickles him??!!
When in Florence, you must go see these charmers!
get back, lauretta! 
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