Piazza della Signoria.

Annamaria on Monday

My neighborhood piazza is the central one in Florence.  That means that it can be crowded and a bit difficult to navigate during the high season.  On the other hand, it means that I am just a few steps from great things to see. Here's a little bit about what I've been looking at over the past few days.

First, a few shots of the holiday projections on the facade of the Palazzo Vechia.

Earlier last week, I took a walk around the piazza with some visiting friends. For decades, I have been  admiring the statues on either side of the door, and another one nearby to our right. But this time, they seemed to be sending a message.

This I am sure you recognize as the copy of Michelangelo’s David, the original o

Of which stood outdoors here for centuries  

Hercules and Carcus by Bandinelli

Perseus with the Head of Medusa by Benvenuto Cellini

When I looked at them a few days ago, introducing them to my friends, it occurred to me how very interesting they were when you think about them making a collective statement. They were after all, at the entrance to the headquarters of the Medici. They seem to say, "I am watching you and. I am armed (David). If you don't behave, I will take control of you (Hercules). If you attack me, I will take:off your head.(Perseus)." This of course is not the real history.  But it isn't exactly totally wrong.