Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Michelangelo

Florentina was established in Roman times as a settlement for veteran soldiers. The name had changed already when young Charlemagne conquered the town in 774. It became part of the Duchy of Tuscany, with Lucca as the capital. Around 1000 Margrave Hugo chose Florence as residency instead of Lucca. After the death of Matilda of Tuscany (1115), the Florentines formed a republic ruled by a council. The town prospered, despite a constant fight between the different factions and noble families. In the 15th century, Florence was among the largest and wealthiest cities in Europe. This was when the Medici family entered the political scene. As a dynasty of art-loving, power-hungry bankers, they made Florence the birthplace of the Renaissance. The Basilica di San Lorenzo is at the center of the market district of the city. It may be the oldest church in Florence, having been consecrated in 393 AD. For three centuries it was the city's cathedral. San Lorenzo was the parish church of the Medici family. In 1419, Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici offered to finance a new church to replace an eleventh-century Romanesque rebuilding. Filippo Brunelleschi was commissioned to design it. The lack of funds slowed the construction and forced changes to the original design. By the early 1440s, only its sacristy had been worked on because that was being paid for by the Medici. In 1442, the Medici stepped in to take over the financial responsibility of the church as well. After Brunelleschi died in 1446, the work continued. By the time the building was completed, aspects of its layout and detailing no longer corresponded to the original plan. The Medici Pope Leo X gave Michelangelo the commission to design an outer façade of the basilica in white Carrara marble in 1518. Michelangelo made a large wooden model but the outer facade of the basilica remained unbuilt.

Florentina was established in Roman times as a settlement for veteran soldiers. The name had changed already when young Charlemagne conquered the town in 774. It became part of the Duchy of Tuscany, with Lucca as the capital. Around 1000 Margrave Hugo chose Florence as residency instead of Lucca. After the death of Matilda of Tuscany (1115), the Florentines formed a republic ruled by a council. The town prospered, despite a constant fight between the different factions and noble families. In the 15th century, Florence was among the largest and wealthiest cities in Europe. This was when the Medici family entered the political scene. As a dynasty of art-loving, power-hungry bankers, they made Florence the birthplace of the Renaissance. Michelangelo's David also stood at the entrance of the Palazzo Vecchio from its completion in 1504 to 1873, when it was moved to the Galleria dell'Accademia. A replica erected in 1910 now stands in its place. In March 2022 it was covered by a black fabric as a protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The "Liberation of Saint Peter" is an event described in the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 12:7 "And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his hands." Aelia Eudocia, consort of Valentinian II, had received these chains from Iuvenalis, bishop of Jerusalem. She later presented the relics to her daughter Empress Eudoxia (wife of Valentinian III), who finally bestowed the chains to Pope Leo I (aka "Leo the Great". According to the legend, Leo compared them to the chains of St. Peter's imprisonment in Rome - and miraculously the two chains fused together. The basilica San Pietro in Vincoli (= Saint Peter in Chains) was erected to house these valuable relics. It was consecrated in 439. The basilica underwent several restorations and further work in the eleventh century. Most people entering the church may not have come to see the chains, but the Tomb of Pope Julius II. But there is not only the statue of Moses, Michelangelo's undisputed master work. Moses has horns on his head, based on a description in the Vulgate, the translation of the Bible used at that time. Moses' head is described as "cornuta" there.

The "Liberation of Saint Peter" is an event described in the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 12:7 "And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his hands." Aelia Eudocia, consort of Valentinian II, had received these chains from Iuvenalis, bishop of Jerusalem. She later presented the relics to her daughter Empress Eudoxia (wife of Valentinian III), who finally bestowed the chains to Pope Leo I (aka "Leo the Great". According to the legend, Leo compared them to the chains of St. Peter's imprisonment in Rome - and miraculously the two chains fused together. The basilica San Pietro in Vincoli (= Saint Peter in Chains) was erected to house these valuable relics. It was consecrated in 439. The basilica underwent several restorations and further work in the eleventh century. Most people entering the church may not have come to see the chains, but the Tomb of Pope Julius II. But there is not only the statue of Moses, Michelangelo's undisputed master work. Moses has horns on his head, based on a description in the Vulgate, the translation of the Bible used at that time. Moses' head is described as "cornuta" there.

The "Liberation of Saint Peter" is an event described in the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 12:7 "And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his hands." Aelia Eudocia, consort of Valentinian II, had received these chains from Iuvenalis, bishop of Jerusalem. She later presented the relics to her daughter Empress Eudoxia (wife of Valentinian III), who finally bestowed the chains to Pope Leo I (aka "Leo the Great". According to the legend, Leo compared them to the chains of St. Peter's imprisonment in Rome - and miraculously the two chains fused together. The basilica San Pietro in Vincoli (= Saint Peter in Chains) was erected to house these valuable relics. It was consecrated in 439. The basilica underwent several restorations and further work in the eleventh century. Most people entering the church may not have come to see the chains, but the Tomb of Pope Julius II. But there is not only the statue of Moses, Michelangelo's undisputed master work, but as well this statue of the very relaxed Pope Julius II.

The "Liberation of Saint Peter" is an event described in the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 12:7 "And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his hands." Aelia Eudocia, consort of Valentinian II, had received these chains from Iuvenalis, bishop of Jerusalem. She later presented the relics to her daughter Empress Eudoxia (wife of Valentinian III), who finally bestowed the chains to Pope Leo I (aka "Leo the Great". According to the legend, Leo compared them to the chains of St. Peter's imprisonment in Rome - and miraculously the two chains fused together. The basilica San Pietro in Vincoli (= Saint Peter in Chains) was erected to house these valuable relics. It was consecrated in 439. The basilica underwent several restorations and further work in the eleventh century. Most people entering the church may not have come to see the chains, but the Tomb of Pope Julius II, and in its center the statue of Moses, Michelangelo's undisputed master work.

The "Liberation of Saint Peter" is an event described in the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 12:7 "And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his hands." Aelia Eudocia, consort of Valentinian II, had received these chains from Iuvenalis, bishop of Jerusalem. She later presented the relics to her daughter Empress Eudoxia (wife of Valentinian III), who finally bestowed the chains to Pope Leo I (aka "Leo the Great". According to the legend, Leo compared them to the chains of St. Peter's imprisonment in Rome - and miraculously the two chains fused together. The basilica San Pietro in Vincoli (= Saint Peter in Chains) was erected to house these valuable relics. It was consecrated in 439. The basilica underwent several restorations and further work in the eleventh century. Seen here is the reliquary containing the chains - and a Nativity scene below. The chain must be "incomplete", as I saw one link in the Aachen Cathedral Treasury recently.

The "Liberation of Saint Peter" is an event described in the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 12:7 "And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his hands." Aelia Eudocia, consort of Valentinian II, had received these chains from Iuvenalis, bishop of Jerusalem. She later presented the relics to her daughter Empress Eudoxia (wife of Valentinian III), who finally bestowed the chains to Pope Leo I (aka "Leo the Great". According to the legend, Leo compared them to the chains of St. Peter's imprisonment in Rome - and miraculously the two chains fused together. The basilica San Pietro in Vincoli (= Saint Peter in Chains) was erected to house these valuable relics. It was consecrated in 439. The basilica underwent several restorations and further work in the eleventh century. The 18th century added a very Baroque touch inside.

The "Liberation of Saint Peter" is an event described in the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 12:7 "And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his hands." Aelia Eudocia, consort of Valentinian II, had received these chains from Iuvenalis, bishop of Jerusalem. She later presented the relics to her daughter Empress Eudoxia (wife of Valentinian III), who finally bestowed the chains to Pope Leo I (aka "Leo the Great". According to the legend, Leo compared them to the chains of St. Peter's imprisonment in Rome - and miraculously the two chains fused together. The basilica San Pietro in Vincoli (= Saint Peter in Chains) was erected to house these valuable relics. It was consecrated in 439. The basilica underwent several restorations and further work in the eleventh century. The portico was added in 1475. Most people entering the church may not have come to see the chains, but one of Michelangelo´s masterworks: the Tomb of Pope Julius II.

St. Peter's Basilica is part of Vatican City (officially the "State of Vatican City") a walled enclave within the city of Rome. With an area of about 44 hectares, and a population of about 850 it is the smallest state in the world. St. Peter's Basilica of today replaced "Old St. Peter's Basilica", that existed from the 4th to the 16th century, when the construction on the new basilica started. Charlemagne was crowned emperor of the Holy Roman Empire in "Old St. Peter" in 800. (New) St. Peter's Basilica, designed principally by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini is the most renowned work of Renaissance architecture, completed in 1590. With a capacity of 20,000, it is one of the largest churches worldwide. The interior dimensions of St. Peter's Basilica are just breathtaking.

St. Peter's Basilica is part of Vatican City (officially the "State of Vatican City") a walled enclave within the city of Rome. With an area of about 44 hectares, and a population of about 850 it is the smallest state in the world. St. Peter's Basilica of today replaced "Old St. Peter's Basilica", that existed from the 4th to the 16th century, when the construction on the new basilica started. Charlemagne was crowned emperor of the Holy Roman Empire in "Old St. Peter" in 800. (New) St. Peter's Basilica, designed principally by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini is the most renowned work of Renaissance architecture, completed in 1590. With a capacity of 20,000, it is one of the largest churches worldwide. The interior dimensions of St. Peter's Basilica are just breathtaking.

St. Peter's Basilica is part of Vatican City (officially the "State of Vatican City") a walled enclave within the city of Rome. With an area of about 44 hectares, and a population of about 850 it is the smallest state in the world. St. Peter's Basilica of today replaced "Old St. Peter's Basilica", that existed from the 4th to the 16th century, when the construction on the new basilica started. Charlemagne was crowned emperor of the Holy Roman Empire in "Old St. Peter" in 800. (New) St. Peter's Basilica, designed principally by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini is the most renowned work of Renaissance architecture, completed in 1590. With a capacity of 20,000, it is one of the largest churches worldwide. The interior dimensions of St. Peter's Basilica are just breathtaking

St. Peter's Basilica is part of Vatican City (officially the "State of Vatican City") a walled enclave within the city of Rome. With an area of about 44 hectares, and a population of about 850 it is the smallest state in the world. St. Peter's Basilica of today replaced "Old St. Peter's Basilica", that existed from the 4th to the 16th century, when the construction on the new basilica started. Charlemagne was crowned emperor of the Holy Roman Empire in "Old St. Peter" in 800. (New) St. Peter's Basilica, designed principally by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini is the most renowned work of Renaissance architecture, completed in 1590. It is one of the largest churches worldwide . The Pope had open the "Holy door" ("Porta Sancta") in early December 2016, marking the start of the Jubilee Year of Mercy. And so now anybody entered St. Peter's Basilica through the small "Holy door" (..and I could never take a photo without people passing through..).

St. Peter's Basilica is part of Vatican City (officially the "State of Vatican City") a walled enclave within the city of Rome. With an area of about 44 hectares, and a population of about 850 it is the smallest state in the world. St. Peter's Basilica of today replaced "Old St. Peter's Basilica", that existed from the 4th to the 16th century, when the construction on the new basilica started. Charlemagne was crowned emperor of the Holy Roman Empire in "Old St. Peter" in 800. (New) St. Peter's Basilica, designed principally by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini is the most renowned work of Renaissance architecture, completed in 1590. It is one of the largest churches worldwide . The Pope had open the "Holy door" ("Porta Sancta") in early December 2016, marking the start of the Jubilee Year of Mercy. And so now anybody entered St. Peter's Basilica through the small "Holy door" (..and I could never take a photo without people passing through..).

St. Peter's Basilica is part of Vatican City (officially the "State of Vatican City") a walled enclave within the city of Rome. But with an area of about 44 hectares, and a population of about 850 it is the smallest state in the world and so I merge it into Rome and Italy. St. Peter's Basilica of today replaced "Old St. Peter's Basilica", that existed from the 4th to the 16th century, when the construction on the new basilica started. Charlemagne was crowned emperor of the Holy Roman Empire in "Old St. Peter" in 800. (New) St. Peter's Basilica, designed principally by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini is the most renowned work of Renaissance architecture, completed in 1590. It is one of the largest churches worldwide .

Early sunset in winter - St. Peter's Basilica in late daylight. St. Peter's Basilica is of course part of Vatican City (officially the "State of Vatican City") a walled enclave within the city of Rome. But with an area of about 44 hectares, and a population of about 850 it is the smallest state in the world and so I merge it into Rome and Italy. St. Peter's Basilica of today replaced "Old St. Peter's Basilica", that existed from the 4th to the 16th century, when the construction on the new basilica started. Charlemagne was crowned emperor of the Holy Roman Empire in "Old St. Peter" in 800. (New) St. Peter's Basilica, designed principally by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini is the most renowned work of Renaissance architecture, completed in 1590. It is one of the largest churches worldwide . Seen in the center of the "St. Peter's Square" is the Vatican Obelisk, that was originally taken by Caligula from Heliopolis in Egypt. Next to the obelisk is a christmas tree and a large crib.

Florentina was established in Roman times as a settlement for veteran soldiers. The name had changed already, when young Charlemagne conquered the town in 774. It became part of the Duchy of Tuscany, with Lucca as capital. Around 1000 Margrave Hugo chose Florence as residency instead of Lucca. After the death of Matilda of Tuscany (1115), the Florentines formed a republic was ruled by a council. The town prospered, despite a constant fight between the different factions and noble families. In the 15th century, Florence was among the largest and wealthiest cities in Europe. This was, when the Medici family entered the political scene. As a dynasty of art loving, power hungry bankers, they made Florence the birthplace of the Renaissance. The Palazzo Vecchio overlooks the Piazza della Signoria. Originally the building was called "Palazzo della Signoria", as here the nine elected member of the Signora the government of Florence lived during their term. The building started in 1299, some years after the guilds had taken over the politcal power, as only guild members were electable into the goverment. The Piazza della Signoria was the place, where in February 1497 "Falò delle vanità" (bonfire of vanity") burnt. The fire destroyed thousands of objects of vanity, art and immorality such as books, paintings, fine dressings, playing cards, mirrors, sculptures and musical instruments. This fire had been organized by the friar Girolamo Savonarola, a charismatic preacher of an early "Cultural Revolution". His young followers, named "fanciulli" have very much in common with the Mao Zedong´s Red Guards. Actually for about four years Savonarola and the fanciulli "ruled" Florence. In May 1497 Pope Alexander VI excommunicated Savonarola. The local support for him dwindled, when his enemies (and rain) hampered an ordeal by fire. He was imprisoned and got tortured in the tower of the Palazzo Vecchio. On May 23 1498 he and two confrères were sentenced to death and in front of a large crowd were hanged on this Piazza. Under the gallows fires were ignited to consume the bodies. The ashes of Girolamo Savonarola and his confrères Fra Domenico and Fra Silvestro were scattered in the Arno to prevent followers to collect relics. There is a little plaque on the ground, where Girolamo Savonarola died. It is near the blue umbrella. - P.S. The statue of Michelangelo´s "David" near the entrance of the Palazzo Vecchio is a replica. The original statue was removed from the piazza in 1873 and since then can be admired in the Accademia Gallery.

Florentina was established in Roman times as a settlement for veteran soldiers. The name had changed already, when young Charlemagne conquered the town in 774. It became part of the Duchy of Tuscany, with Lucca as capital. Around 1000 Margrave Hugo chose Florence as residency instead of Lucca. After the death of Matilda of Tuscany (1115), the Florentines formed a republic was ruled by a council. The town prospered, despite a constant fight between the different factions and noble families. In the 15th century, Florence was among the largest and wealthiest cities in Europe. This was, when the Medici family entered the political scene. As a dynasty of art loving, power hungry bankers, they made Florence the birthplace of the Renaissance. In 1419 Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici offered to finance a new church to replace the 11th-century Romanesque Basilica of San Lorenzo. Filippo Brunelleschi was commissioned to design it. When Brunelleschi died in 1446 only the sacristy and the crossing were completed. His scholars continued, but changed the design. As San Lorenzo was the parish church of the Medici family (and their burial place) Pope Leo X (born "Giovanni di Lorenzo de' Medici") commissioned Michelangelo to design a façade in 1518. Michelangelo made a wooden model, that still exists, but this facade, as you can see here, was never added to the church.