Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a famous art capital of not only Tuscany and Italy but also the world. It is a destination from which many of the most famous and globally-recognised artists in history have come or worked. As a result, it is a city that abounds in incredible museums and art-related attractions and is a key destination for serious art-lovers. If you have browsed our amazing array of luxury villas in Florence and are booking a perfect getaway full of art and making the most of your time in the city, you might have some questions that you would like answered before arrival. Here are some of the most common art-related questions when it comes to the city, as well as the answers to them:
Where can I see Michelangelo’s David in Florence?
Though originally housed outside, in front of the Palazzo Vecchio in the Piazza della Signoria, the town hall of the city, David was actually intended as one of the works that would be placed on the roofline of the gorgeous Duomo.
After centuries in front of the Palazzo Vecchio, it was moved into the Galleria dell'Accademia in 1873 for its own protection and preservation. You can visit the original work in the gallery, therefore, but you can also see a full-size replica in its original spot in front of the Palazzo Vecchio as well.
Where is the best place to see the works of Botticelli while on holiday in Florence?
Undoubtedly, the best spot to admire works by the beloved painter Botticelli is in the Uffizi Gallery. The Gallery is, in fact, home to a whole room dedicated to his work and has several of his most famous works including the iconic Birth of Venus, as well as his stunning Primavera.
The Botticelli room also houses other paintings such as his Adoration of the Magi and as well as the massive Portinari Triptych by the Flemish painter Hugo van der Goes, who influenced Botticelli and many of his peers. So, for the works themselves and some context for Botticelli’s influence, the Uffizi really is a must-see for those who book a vacation rental in Florence.
Where can I find works by da Vinci in Florence?
Da Vinci can also be found in the remarkable Uffizi Gallery, further adding to the fact that it should be on any art-lover’s itinerary of the city. The gallery has a room dedicated to the artist and his genius, has two of his paintings - his Annunciation and a large altarpiece with the Adoration of the Magi. Both pieces remain unfinished as many of his works are.
There is also a Baptism of Christ from the Verrochio workshop, of which he was a part as a young artist, and to which he contributed. In fact, in this piece, he is said to have surpassed his master, which led to Verrochio abandoning painting forever in favour of other media. The Cabinet of Drawings and Prints of the Uffizi has another work by da Vinci, a drawing dated to 1473 of a landscape with a view of Montalbano and the castle of Montevettolini.
A museum entirely dedicated to da Vinci is located on Via de Servi, though this focuses more on his machines and inventions and does not have any of his artworks.
So, if you are a serious and seasoned art-lover or you are someone who simply wants to make the absolute most of being in the birthplace of the Renaissance itself, then be sure to book your villa in Florence today and then keep these facts in mind for when you are exploring the city during your vacation in Tuscany.