This is a photograph of the Loggia dei Lanzi, which is an open-air gallery just off the Piazza della Signoria in Florence. Most of the sculptures that you see are in fact the originals - there plans to replace them with copies and put the originals into a museum, where they obviously will be less affected by the weather.
This photo was taken on our second day in Florence - our first full day - when we really spent most of the day just wandering around, taking photos and getting our bearings. I loved the Loggia because it typifies the impression you get of Florence: a city that although it respects its cultural heritage, it also is used to it and is not about to hide everything away, but keep it all on display, as it has always been.
The sculptures you can see:
From left to right (on the pedestals):
- The Rape of Polyxena by Pio Fedi
- Menelaus supporting the body of Patroclus (this is a copy of what was originally an ancient Roman sculpture)
- Hercules slaying the Centaur Nessus by Giambologna
On the back of the Loggia are five marble female statues (three are identified as Matidia, Marciana and Agrippina Minor) - which of the ones that you can see, I don't know!
Location: Florence, Tuscany (taken on 30th December 2010)
Photographer: Heliona/Helen
I am commenting now. You know that I love all of your Florence pictures. This one is lovely and thanks for sharing all the statues and history with us.
ReplyDeleteLol! That's all right. And you're welcome - it's a please. :)
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