Renaissance Men

Travelers come to Italy because they love the people, the pasta, the vino, the gelato, the leather and silk and the lively piazzas. They especially come to Florence for the art.

We’re at the famous Uffizi Art Gallery, home of the greatest works of Italian painters anywhere. The impressive display of medieval and renaissance paintings and sculptures include Botticelli's Birth of Venus. Works of other famous artists such as Rubens, Raphael, and Leonardo di Vinci are also included.

Many of the collections are from Italy’s famous Medici Dynasty. In the 14th Century, the Medici family was the richest in Italy. Their influence rivaled the Vatican. They promoted science, education and culture and were considered to be the Godfathers of the Renaissance.

My appreciation of art wanes with time. Monica is the true art lover. After 3 hours, I’m museumed out. We agree on my leaving, her staying and we meeting later for dinner at the hotel. I follow the exit signs for 20 minutes, a blended pathway of great art and souvenir shops. My interest falls inversely with the rise in the number of merchants I pass.

Outside, I walk along the scenic Arno River with its old stone bridges and busy markets. Past the leather and gold at Ponte Vecchio, I weave my way through the crowded city streets. I come across the Mercato Centrale (think St. Lawrence Market in Toronto). Here, I find the horn of plenty – vino, focaccia, roast chicken, olives, salad greens and dark chocolate. It’s our recipe for an evening of dining on our hotel terrace.

NOTE: Image of Birth of Venus is from
http://www.uga.edu/.../ibotticelli_venus

We don’t always have easy internet access. Some postings will come 2 at a time, but we are never more than a few days behind.