The Surprises of the Accademia Gallery
By Leyla Yasemin Tarhan (Pomona College)
Some of Florence’s artistic treasures are hidden. Some are not. Michelangelo’s David would most decidedly fall into this latter category. His image has been reproduced in all manner of media, from posters to boxers, and his presence at the Accademia Gallery attracts droves of tourists, even in the off-season.
And yet, the David holds plenty of surprises. The most breathtaking photographs of great art can never compete with the raw power of seeing it in person. The David is no exception to this rule. Towering majestically in the Accademia’s airy viewing room, the statue almost seems to breathe. In spite of its size, the careful details of the veins popping from his muscular arms or the quizzical wrinkles of his brow create a strikingly human figure. Given that the image of this famous statue is so common in Western culture, perhaps the most surprising thing about the David is that the sight of it is still powerful. In spite of its many reproductions, this masterfully carved piece of marble is a breathtaking sight in person, when one can stand in its shadow and be overwhelmed by its magnificence.
But the Accademia offers much more than this legendary sculpture. In fact, it is a sizeable museum in its own right, offering a large collection of medieval and Renaissance paintings and musical instruments. A small room crammed with plaster models seems a feeble companion to the masterpiece in the next room, but it turns out to be a highly interesting look into the artistic process of crafting a marble sculpture. This room also features a more contemporary work by a German artist, a shocking but welcome breach of the general genre.
In many of these exhibits, notably those showing the tavole a fondo oro (ornately gilded paintings retrieved from Florentine churches) and the plaster models, the Accademia strives to break down the barriers that so easily spring up between museum visitors and the exhibited work, and reveal the artisanal processes behind the masterpieces. The instructional videos installed in these exhibits give new insight into the centuries-old art, and serve to bring it into a more modern context.
The Accademia is certainly a predictable spot to visit while in Florence. But its offerings are not entirely predictable, and surprises wait in even its most vaunted works. Located at Via Ricasoli, 60, the gallery is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, 6:15 am to 6:50 pm. Tickets are €6.50 without a reservation, or €10.50 with a reservation.
