Museo del Bargello – for Renaissance sculpture

As the oldest surviving seat of government in Florence, the Bargello preceded the Palazzo Vecchio. Unlike the Accademia, the Bargello would be a major site even without its treasure-trove. The collection clearly shows the transition between statuary flaunted as public symbols and sculpture appreciated as private treasures. The Bargello is also the best place in which to gain a sense of the inter-connectedness of Florentine Renaissance sculpture. It provides a clear overview, with works of art by the greatest masters. Moreover, despite the virtuosity of Michelangelo, the Bargello is more of a shrine to his predecessor, Donatello, the only sculptor to lay claim to equal gifts. Unlike Michelangelo’s work, Donatello’s sculpture betrays little sign of creative torment and virtuosity for virtuosity’s sake. However, in the Bargello, at least, Donatello is the undoubted star. If in pursuit of Renaissance sculpture, head straight for the Donatello gallery, followed by the Verrocchio and della Robbia rooms. Donatello’s David (from 1430–40) is a small bronze renowned for being the first nude since antiquity. It differs dramatically from Michelangelo’s masterpiece not just in size and material, but also in its coyness and melancholy, which some view as more faithful to David’s youth.

Address: Via del Proconsolo 4, Florence
Web: www.bargellomusei.beniculturali.it