'Samson Slaying a Philistine', by Giambologna, 1560-2
The only monumental marble sculpture by Giambologna ever to have left Florence was acquired by the Museum in 1953 with the assistance of the National Art-Collections fund. …
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Donatello and Florence
Donatello was born and died in Florence, and was a favourite of Cosimo de' Medici (1389–1464), a member of the family that, in effect, ruled the Republic of Florence. Artis…
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Africans in Medieval & Renaissance Art: Duke Alessandro de' Medici
Alessandro de' Medici (1511-37), was a member of the powerful Italian family of merchants, bankers, rulers, patrons and collectors, who dominated the political and cultural…
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Cosimo I de' Medici: Renaissance patron
Cosimo I de’ Medici (1519–74) was Duke of Florence between 1537 and his death. The de’ Medicis were renowned for their patronage of the arts, and Cosimo I continued this tr…
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The 'Chellini Madonna', by Donatello, about 1450
One of the Museum’s most prized possessions is the bronze roundel by Donatello depicting the Virgin and Child, given to his doctor Giovanni Chellini in lieu of payment.
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Chants from a choirbook from Florence
The two sung prayers you can listen to here are modern recordings of pieces contained in a large, elegantly illustrated, choirbook in the V&A's collections. The choirbook w…
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Italian Renaissance villas and gardens
In the 14th century, the Italian villa was a large country house, often fortified, that stood at the heart of an agricultural estate. Some of these houses became increasing…
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The Ascension Relief by Donatello, 1428-30
Donatello is regarded as one of the greatest sculptors of the 1400s and this marble panel is one of the finest surviving examples of his innovative work in extremely low re…
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Florentine Renaissance Sculpture
An overview of the Renaissance sculpture of Florence, well written and handsomely illustrated. Charles Avery, a director of Christies and former curat…
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