Galleria dell’Academia

---

The David!

And a number of other pieces. We were intrigued by The Prisoners, appearing to be caught in the marble.

After lunch at Rosso Crudo, we walked over to Santa Croce. The basilica of Santa Croce is the largest Franciscan church in the world. Its most notable features are its sixteen chapels, many of them decorated with frescoes by Giotto and his pupils, and its tombs and cenotaphs. Legend says that Santa Croce was founded by St Francis Himself. The church floor plan uses his Tau or T shape.

Then we wandered around the neighborhood on the way back to hotel. We were trying to find a market of leather goods recommended to us by the guide. We got to the place and there was the covered market building, Mercator del Porcellino, (tall, built in the 16th century), but no vendors After a bit of friendly discussion and further wandering, we saw Cafe Michele, decided it was a sign, and sat down for a rest and glass of wine. Discovered that there had been a death in a vendor family and the market was closed for the day.

Final meal with the group was dinner at the hotel.

---

Photos

Model for the original
The actual one is carved from one piece of marble.

Note the left foot
Was attacked by a ‘crazy person’ with a hammer and restored

Nail in the palm of his hand
Not intentional damage but repair.
The band on his back is the sling shot

One piece of marble
The David was carved from one piece of marble; one that was known to have flaws but it had been purchased and Michelangelo was told that was what he was to use.

Right hand seems large
Was originally designed to sit on a buttress half way up the Duomo, so perspective. However, too heavy

Unfinished works
The circles on the flat top are the mark Michelangelo made on the marble when he was at Carrera choosing pieces—he wanted that piece.

Closer
To see the marks

Another of the Prisoners
You can see them struggling to get out!

Group at lunch
Rosso Crudo