Making the Connections
Firenze (Florence) was far different than Rome. I watched the architecture shift, and of course, all of the important edifices are much younger than their counterparts in Rome. Here, works of art also took a different turn.
The Duomo for me has the most personal overlap, since the roof on the Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral was the product of rigorous engineering from Brunelleschi. In the Spring semester I had a great time reading the book about the dome and counted the days until I was able to climb it. Granted, I was pretty excited to make the 400+ step ascent, and enjoyed appreciating Brunelleschi's innovative strategies.
One of the most intriguing spots visited, the Piazzale Michelangelo, was also my focus. For obvious reasons, I cared to dub it the 'Spanish Steps of Florence'. It provides an imposing overlook of a daily Florentine sunset, and a very dare-I-say romantic open space where we have watched marriage proposal after proposal. Open spaces accommodate activities like street art, street food, and music, the latter of which comes in this video clip.
The Ponte Vecchio, for me, gives an interesting vibe. It offers a marketplace of jewelry akin to past tradition. It, combined with the nearby streets leading to the open space of Piazza della Repubblica, reminds me of Worth Avenue for the upscale shopping. This combination also perpetuates wealth, something aptly demonstrated by Florence through its ups and downs.
Considering how the Medicis had control of Florence, a connection to the present is made. Downtown Coral Gables for example is laden with financial buildings. However, banks now are not as politically powerful as the Medici were, partly thanks to the political system we have today. However, the influence the Medici were able to accomplish through popes and leadership still resonates in some of the edifices in Florence.
We now shift to humanism. The censors of the Gothic era finally let up at this point (despite the actions of Savonarola) and some of the most beautiful works started to emerge. Beautiful not only in aesthetics, but in expression as well. Seeing the world famous David and Birth of Venus works allowed me to feel like I was there, communicating with Michelangelo and Boticelli, respectively. I simply loved the Birth of Venus. The ability to have a conversation with these artists in a sense is what was one of the most rewarding experiences during my time in Florence. You are one with the art piece, interacting and listening to what the artist has to say or express. Gentileschi's work shared just as powerful a message, considering the uneven gender divide. For me the value of museums like the Uffizi, or Accademia lies in the conversations that get started. The avenues of expression strengthen us intellectually and in turn strengthen the community. They connect artists with the public, and allow for a forum of critique and appreciation. The same goes for works like Raphael's School of Athens, and Michelangelo's Last Judgment (photos were forbidden for this work), in Rome. Below, I set the stage with a Gothic work that preempts the Renaissance era collection. As significant as religion was, the Renaissance was effectively responsible for endorsing separations that would guide future governments, like ours in the States.
