The exhibition “Michelangelo and Power” is currently ongoing at Palazzo Vecchio in Florence and will be open until January 26, 2025. Curated by Cristina Acidini and Sergio Risaliti, the exhibition explores the relationship between Michelangelo Buonarroti and the power figures of his time, highlighting how the artist positioned himself on equal terms with the powerful individuals of his era.
The exhibition, set up between the Sala delle Udienze and the Sala dei Gigli, features over fifty works, including sculptures, paintings, drawings, handwritten letters, and plaster casts. Exceptional loans come from prestigious institutions such as the Uffizi Galleries, the Bargello Museums, and the Casa Buonarroti Foundation.
The Bust of Brutus
One of the central pieces of the exhibition is the famous Bust of Brutus, loaned by the National Museum of the Bargello and displayed at Palazzo Vecchio for the first time. This sculpture represents a political manifesto by the artist, symbolizing his critical view of tyrannical power. It is a fascinating and significant work, created around 1540-1545. One of his most intense and mysterious sculptures, it portrays Lucius Junius Brutus, the founder of the Roman Republic, famous for executing his own sons for treason. The work stands out for its dramatic realism and deep expression, reflecting the complexity of the historical figur
The bust is carved in marble and shows Brutus with a stern and contemplative gaze, as if reflecting on the weight of his actions and the sacrifice he made for his country. His furrowed brow, prominent nose, and firm mouth accentuate the intensity of his expression, giving the bust a strong sense of dignity and tragic grandeur. The work does not merely depict a face but explores the emotions and inner conflicts of the subject, suggesting a reflection on morality, power, and sacrifice.
This bust was created during a turbulent period in Michelangelo’s life, marked by his reflection on politics, history, and the role of the artist. The figure of Brutus, a symbol of justice but also of cruel rigor, fits perfectly within the historical and cultural context of the Renaissance, where themes of virtue, honor, and morality were central.
Michelangelo’s Drawings for the Fortifications of Florence and St. Peter’s Basilica
The exhibition features, in an exceptional display, some original drawings by Michelangelo. These drawings showcase his extraordinary ability to tackle architectural and engineering challenges, always with an eye for aesthetic harmony. Michelangelo Buonarroti, one of the most famous and versatile artists of the Renaissance, was not only a master sculptor and painter but also an engineer and architect. Among his numerous projects and drawings, some of the most significant pertain to fortifications and architecture.
One of Michelangelo’s most famous projects is undoubtedly the plan for St. Peter’s Basilica. Michelangelo took over the direction of the works for the new basilica in 1546, following the death of Bramante, and reworked the original design to adapt it to the needs of his time and his artistic vision. The plan for St. Peter’s Basilica, designed by Michelangelo, is a central, Latin-cross-shaped plan with a large central dome, which became one of the most distinctive elements of the project. His architectural vision for the basilica was based on grandeur, balance, and the innovative use of light. The dome of St. Peter’s, which Michelangelo did not complete but was built based on his designs, is considered one of the most magnificent examples of Renaissance architecture. Its design and construction had a fundamental impact on Baroque architecture and the definition of sacred space.
Michelangelo’s drawings for the fortifications of Florence represent a lesser-known but significant part of his work as an architect and engineer. During the period when Michelangelo resided in Florence, the city was undergoing a phase of political and military transition. Concerns over the city’s security grew, especially during the Medici rule, when Florence sought to defend itself from external threats, such as those posed by neighboring powerful states, including the Papacy and the Kingdom of Spain.
In 1527, after the assault of Emperor Charles V’s troops and the subsequent sack of Rome, the government of the city of Florence decided to strengthen its fortifications. Michelangelo, who had already worked in various artistic and architectural fields, was commissioned to design a new defensive system for the city, which would protect Florence from enemy incursions and ensure the stability of the government.
Michelangelo’s Drawings for the Fortifications of Florence
Michelangelo worked on several fortification projects for the city, including defensive walls, bastions, and fortified gates. His designs were characterized by the innovative use of architectural techniques and the intention to combine beauty and functionality in the defensive structures.
Michelangelo proposed a system of walls to reinforce the urban perimeter of the city. The plan included the addition of angled and fortified bastions, which not only could improve defenses but also create a new aesthetic dimension for the urban landscape. These bastions were designed to withstand bombardments and enemy attacks.
The exhibition is open to the public with the following hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
The last entry is allowed one hour before the museum closes. For further information and reservations, you can visit the official website of MUS.E Florence.