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The present museum was founded in 1891 and has continued to receive all the works that were removed and continue to be removed (to grant their preservation) from S. Maria del Fiore and from the Baptistery. The collection is therefore the best guide to the several changes that have occurred in Florentine official sculpture originating with the building of the cathedral and extending over the centuries.
The vast majority of sculptures preserved in the Museum are those that Arnolfo had chosen for the facade, which was only partially completed while the architect was still living. The partially erected façade remained in this condition until 1587, when the Grand Duke, following the suggestions of the architect Bernardo Buontalenti, decided to replace it with a more modern look, in accordance with the general plans for the renewal of the town.
Despite the several projects and competitions that saw the participation of famous architexts of several ages, the façade was completed only in 1887 by De Fabris, who gave it a completely different appearance as compared to the original project by Arnolfo. As a result of this remake, it was no longer possible to reinstall the statues that are however still preserved in the museum. In addition to the sculptures of Arnolfo, the museum exhibits also works of the 14th century removed from the bell tower and sculptures by Andrea Pisano (1290-1349) and by his pupils and those from the so-called "Porta della Mandorla" located on the left side of the cathedral. The sculptures of Nanni di Banco (1380/90-1421) and of Donatello (1386-1466), originally made for the bell tower and the church, can be considered masterpieces of the 14th century sculpture, like the two large "Cantorie" by Luca della Robbia (1400-1482) and Donatello removed from the cathedral' s interior. Other important works have been moved to the museum recently, like the "Magdalene", a wooden sculpture by Donatello, originally placed in the Baptistery and the "Pietà" by Michelangelo, which was removed from the cathedral in 1980.
The collection also comprises other 16th and 17th century works by Tuscan artists, which shows the importance attributed to the finishing of Santa Maria del Fiore Down the centuries. An independent room exhibits a collection of working tools and materials, recovered during the restoration works of the Cathedral and the Dome. This manage to effectively evoke the commitment and technical ability of the workers who collaborated to the project of Brunelleschi. |
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Michelangelo - Pietà
One of the later works by Michelangelo,
probably created for his grave.
Michelangelo worked for years but towards the end
of the work, the statue broke
because the block of marble was defective,
and he let his servant take the pieces.
Later the servant sold them. The new owner,
Tiberio Calcani, had it pieced back together
and probably added the figure supporting Christ’s arm, which is certainly not by Michelangelo. |
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Michelangelo has portrayed himself
in the face of the figure carrying Christ. |
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