Art Aplenty

Today was a day I wish my Anna was with me - she would have been very helpful in describing how art progressed from Medieval times until the Renaissance.

I woke up early to visit Michelangelo's David. Bad news: no photographs allowed in either of the museums. David was at the Accademia, along with six of Michelangelo's unfinished pieces. David was great. He's huge. But I think my favorite were actually the unfinished works on display. These included four prisoners, St. Matthew and a Pieta. When looking at the majestic David, it is hard to imagine him ever being a huge piece of stone. However, these unfinished prisoners looked like they were whole, just waiting to be cut out of the marble. Michelangelo believed that his art was the work of God; he never built models or sketches - instead he let the marble show him what was below the surface. I can definitely understand what he meant by looking at the figures emerging from the stone. They were amazing. The chisel marks are still visible.

Next, I decided to finally enter the Duomo that I live so close to. While most of the art is in the next door museum, here's a shot of the altar.

After a little rest, I began walking again.. If I don't have the best leg muscles ever after this trip, something is wrong. I have never walked as much in my life.

There was some sort of demonstration in Piazza Signoria, right next door to the Palazzo Vecchio. I'm not sure what the group was saying, but I do believe they sang a national anthem or another well known song, as onlookers chimed in.

Next, another work of art.

gelato and fruit. and my book!

On to the Uffizi Gallery! Couldn't take pictures of this art either, but got some shots of the city..

this is Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) where TONS of jewelry shops are located.

Oltrarno. (other side of the river)

The Uffizi houses Giotto's Madonna and Child, Duccio's Madonna and Child with Angels, Cimabue' Madonna and Child with Angels, Simone Martini's Annunciation, Gentile da Fabriano's Adoration of the Magi, Filippo Lippi's Madonna and Child with Two Angels, and Pollauiolo's Labors of Hercules. Quite a Roman Catholic theme. The Medieval art was mainly religious - it acted as a teaching tool for Bible stories and stories of the saints' lives. It began as flat, elementary pictures, and slowly added perspective and depth, peaking around the time of Michelangelo. Cool, cool, cool. Near the end of the museum, I ran into my friends Jim and John from cooking class! We went to the nice outdoor terrace and had coffee. Great view of the Palazzo Vecchio:

Upon their recommendation, I hiked to the Piazzale Michelangelo, a nice piazza raised high above town and offering an amazing view of the city. 

The piazza also offers a bronze copy of David for all to stare at it awe.

Interesting fact: historians and artists argue whether David is contemplating fighting the giant or if he has already won the battle. The current literature at the Accademia says he is looking on in triumph, while my audio guide (Rick Steves) says that he is calm but in deep concentration, knowing that he will have to use intuition and wit, not brute force.

John (Ireland) and I met up for dinner. We decided to try a restaurant recommended by fellow classmates Perry and Meredith. So we did, and guess what! John and Jim again. The four of us enjoyed another amazing meal together. What fun.

After John and I had dessert and coffee (I'm getting used to this) and talked, talked, talked. So nice. Now it's off to bed late again.. 2:20. I have decided to stay an extra day in Florence, then I will be off to visit Marco in Milan on Friday. 

Thanks for all of the comments and emails. I'm glad to be updated on what's going on at home! Keep it coming!