Monday, February 19, 2007

Loggia dei Lanzi





Some of the most amazing things that we have seen so far in our travels have been the ancient sculptures that are found in abundance throughout Italy. Turning a corner or entering a space that contains these massive marble or bronze statues is truly a breathtaking experience. Although you can see some really great sculptures in just about every city in Italy, I think that the sculptures of Florence were some of the very best, and the Loggia dei Lanzi is a beautiful area that is packed with great sculpture. The major sculptures housed there now are reproductions of the originals which the loggia once held, but are now kept in museums. These include the Rape of the Sabine Women by Giambologna, the Rape of Polyxena by Pio Fedi, and several other really amazing works of sculptural art. Michelangelo's David once stood to the left of the Loggia, and is now also replaced by a reproduction. Although these works are not the originals, they are very good reproductions, and together are a sight that I think anyone in Florence should stop and see.
Janis Fowler

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