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Published: January 18th 2018
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Before coming on this trip I had always heard of and seen pictures of famous masterpieces by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Which was the extent of the number of artists I could even name off the top of my head, and I never even really knew much about either one of them aside from the Mona Lisa and the David statue. I was not even truly aware of the emphasis and importance that art had on the city of Florence. Now that I have been here for two weeks and have really been immersed in the city and culture, I am truly amazed by all the beautiful works of art. It is a wonder to me why the people who live here are not in constant awe of their surroundings. Perhaps they are just used to it, but every time I walk past the Duomo it is like I am seeing it for the first time, and I think that if I lived here that feeling would never go away. Everywhere you turn in Florence there is inspiration. A building, a piece of art, a statue, Florence is so chalk full of "must sees" that it would take me forever just to describe it all.
It did not really sink in how much beauty and art rested here in the city until we went to the Uffizi Gallery and I was simply in awe of all of the art, hundreds and hundreds of years old, just steps away from me. I could get so close I could see the paint strokes, I was so entralled in each painting and the story that went with it. As I have mentioned in a previous post, I am not one to enjoy museums or to learn about art. I have always liked to look at and study it, but not much else. I was so surprised in myself for enjoying the tour as much as I did, and have been interested in every museum we have gone to since. I was also very surprised at all of the emotions I have felt looking at these pieces, and also just walking the streets and seeing all the intricacies of the architecture. I have felt very inspired and also very connected to the art. As if I am seeing a window into a different time through the artwork. Seeing all this beauty that artists have put into their work has made me want to carry that into my life and the career I pursue.
Yesterday, we went to the Academia Gallery to see the statue of David. People kept telling me beforehand how big of a deal it is to see David and how amazing it is, and I was interested, but honestly did not understand what was so grand about it. I have seen pictures and molds of David and thought it was just like any other statue. It was not until I actually got to see him in person that I finally understood what people were talking about. First of all, he's huge. I did not expect him to be as tall as he is, standing at 16 feet, and I also did not expect him to be as beautiful as he is. His feautures are so defined and and everything about him is very detailed down to the curls in his hair and the furrowing in his brow as he stares down Goliath. He truly is the "ideal" human. I also thought it was interesting how you could walk around David and almost see his expression change at each angle. To the side you can almost see him squaring up Goliath, his enemy. His muscles look taut and strong and his face is very serious and almost angry looking as if he about to spring into a fight. Then when you are standing in front of him David looks more relaxed and victorious, as if the battle with Goliath has already been won. I find it so intriguing how Michelangelo created many different expressions all in one statue.
When we went to Siena we got to walk the streets for a short time, then we saw the cathedral and the former city hall. The cathedral was very similar to the one in Florence except maybe smaller in size, and also the outside was very ornate and had may intricate statues poking out at all sides, which the Duomo here in Florence does not have as much of on the exterior. The inside of the Duomo in Siena was also very ornate and full of many pieces of art. Literally all of the walls were covered in art depicting stories of Heaven and Hell, and towns ran by justice and corrupt towns where justice is in chains. I have not been inside the Duomo here in Florence but I am interested to see if it is any different from the one in Siena. The streets were also very similar to the ones in Florence, the colors and architecture almost seemed identical. The only difference I would say is that it seemed less crowded, and less touristy, with not as many shops as Florence.
I have not paid too much attention to families here in Florence, but I have noticed a few things that are quite different from my family. The biggest difference is that I see families walking everywhere together instead of driving. Obviously they are in the city, so it is easier to walk or bike somewhere than to drive, but this would be a big adjustment for my family and I if we moved to Florence and all of a sudden had to start walking everywhere or relying on public transportation. We would definitely get more exercise, which my family and I surely need, but I am not sure I would want to give up those long, memorable car rides with my family.
Until Next Time!
CIAO!
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