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Photo Contest – September 9, 2011
We received over 40 responses to our 9/9/11 photo contest (see photo below). While nearly everyone got the city correct, only 5 responded with the correct answer to the first part of the question, “What is the name of the building?” The winner of the contest is Chuck Greiman of Southampton, PA. Chuck’s name was randomly selected from those who correctly responded.
Photo Contest - September 9, 2011 - Palazzo Vecchio, Florence
Of course, the city is Florence (Firenze), Italy. The building is the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s city/town hall. We accepted “Palazzo Vecchio”, “City Hall” and “Town Hall” as correct answers to this part of the question. Palazzo Vecchio is located in the Piazza della Signoria and it is in front of this building’s entrance that Michelangelo’s David once stood. David was originally commissioned as one of a series of 12 Old Testament sculptures to be positioned along the roofline of the east end of the Basilica of Santa Maria Del Fiore (also known as the Duomo), however once the sculpture was nearing completion, authorities realized the logistical improbability of raising the 6-plus ton statue to the roof of the cathedral. In 1504, after heated debate by a small group Florentine citizens, the statue of David was installed next to the entrance of the town hall, Palazzo Vecchio (known then as “Palazzo della Signoria”).
Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, aka Duomo
In 1873, Michelangelo’s David was moved to the Accademia Gallery, allegedly for reasons of conservation, although other factors may have been involved. In addition to David, this gallery houses other works of Michelangelo including some that are unfinished. The history of the artwork housed here is fascinating – it is well worth a visit to this Gallery with a good guide.
In 1910, a replica of Michelangelo’s David (see close-up below) was placed in the same spot that the original once stood – next to the entrance of the Town Hall.
Replica of David, placed next to the entrance of Palazzo Vecchio in 1910.
Behold the muted colors and light of Florence….
View of Florence from the tour bus parking lot
Ponte Vecchio spanning the Arno River.
Another glorious view to reflect upon.