Almost everyone who visits Florence at least sees the exterior of Santa Maria del Floria, the Cathedral, or the Duomo. Very few realize that the great art on the outside of the building is a set of reproductions to prevent damage to the original pieces. The originals are housed, and many are displayed in the Duomo Museum, behind the Cathedral. This included the great bronze doors for the baptistry.
Photo 01 – This is one of the most haunting sculptures I saw in Florence. It is by Donatello, known as Penitent Magdalene. It was carved in 1455 in Wood. Instead of the young and vibrant Mary Magdalene we normally see, Donatello gives us her as an old woman in this sculpture.
Photo 02 – Life-sized reproduction of the upper facade of Santa Maria del Floria, the Cathedral of Florence. This is the current facade, the third since it was built.
Photo 03- A recurring subject in sculpture is the Pietà. Consisting of Mary holding the dead Jesus after he was removed from the cross. It also includes Mary Magdalene and Nicodemus. This one is by Michelangelo, an unfinished marble sculpture from circa 1547–1553. He has at least two others
Photo 04 – A choir box removed from the Cathedral during a renovation.
Photo 05 – A large hymnal on a stand used during Mass.
Photo 06 – A wooden model of Brunelleschi’s dome. This was created to plan the building.
Photo 07 – Actual tools used during the construction of the dome.
Photo 08 – Almost all of the exterior decorations for the cathedral have been removed and replaced by reproductions. These hexagons on the bell tower depict scenes of the development of various trades and professions.
Photo 09 – A closer view of the hexagon for the creation of agriculture.
