A guide to timeless statues of Boboli Gardens

Artist: Igor Mitoraj (Oederan 1944 - Paris 2014)
Year of construction: 1997
Material used: Bronze
Dimensions: 407 x 272 x 250 cm
Highlights:

• You'll find this striking face near the Prato dei Castagni in Boboli Gardens. It's hard to miss!
  
• Named after Tyndareus from Greek mythology, this piece reflects timeless human fragility and classical beauty.
  
• Mitoraj's work brings ancient legends to life, creating a unique blend of history and modern artistry.
  
• Fun fact: The artist donated this masterpiece to the Uffizi Galleries.

Artist: Giovanni di Paolo Fancelli (first decade of the 16th century – 1586) from a design by Baccio Bandinelli (Florence 1493 – Florence 1560)
Year of construction: 1554 - 57
Material used: Marble
Dimensions: 181 cm (height)
Highlights:

• Commissioned by Eleonora da Toledo, this charming statue was designed by Bandinelli but sculpted by his talented pupil, Fancelli.
  
• It shows a peasant pouring wine from a small cask—just imagine the everyday scenes from the 16th century!
  
• Originally a part of the "Vivaio del Villano" fountain, it brings a slice of rustic life to the gardens.
  
• Inspired by ancient Greek statues and Albrecht Dürer’s prints, it was recently restored and a copy now stands outside to protect the original.

Artist: Baccio Bandinelli (Florence 1493 – Florence 1560) & the workshop
Year of construction: 1554 - 58
Material used: Marble
Dimensions: 181 cm (height)
Highlights:

• Nestled in the left niche of the Buontalenti Grotto facade, Apollo stands proudly, paired with the statue of Ceres.
  
• While these two statues weren't meant to be together, they make quite the duo now!
  
• The statue was likely completed by Bandinelli’s assistant, Giovanni Fancelli, with a design reminiscent of Michelangelo’s David.
  
• Giorgio Vasari placed Apollo here in 1560, turning an old plant nursery into the stunning Buontalenti Grotto.

Artist: Baccio Bandinelli (Florence 1493 – Florence 1560) and workshop
Year of construction: 1548 - 58
Material used: Marble
Dimensions: 181 cm (height)
Highlights:

• Meet Ceres, once destined to be Eve in Florence Cathedral's choir.
  
• A mix of Bandinelli's and Fancelli's work, it's a fascinating blend of styles.
  
• Originally meant for the Cathedral, it now graces the Buontalenti Grotto facade.
  
• Ceres sits atop a tree branch, holding a snake—a symbol of earth's fertility.

Artist: Roman artists
Year of construction: First quarter 1st century A.D. - Mid 2nd century A.D.
Material used: White marble with fine crystals
Dimensions: 210 cm (height)
Highlights:

• Emperor Augustus, a relic from Cardinal Della Valle's collection, now adorns Boboli Gardens.
  
• Purchased by Cardinal Ferdinando de' Medici in 1584, it's a piece of ancient Roman history.
  
• Though weathered, Augustus still exudes regal grandeur, showcasing intricate details of his cuirass and belt.
  
• Originally part of Villa Medici, it found its permanent home in Florence in 1789.

Artist: Roman art
Year of construction: 240 - 260 A.D.
Material used: Luna marble
Dimensions: 187 x 95 cm
Highlights:

• Learn about the history of this base, once part of a triumphal arch in ancient Rome.
  
• Admire the detailed reliefs, depicting scenes of victory and imprisonment.
  
• Side A showcases Victory, while Side B presents a Dioscuro, a symbol of battle victory.
  
• Side C tells the story of a Roman soldier leading a barbarian prisoner—a glimpse into ancient warfare.

Artist: Roman artist
Year of construction: Second century A.D.
Material used: Microcrystalline, fine-grain marble, probably from Luni
Dimensions: Height with base 204 cm; height of herma 132 cm
Highlights:

• This youthful god leans elegantly against a herma, accentuating his sinuous pose.
  
• The statue's modern head was added later, giving it a unique blend of ancient and more recent artistry.
  
• The herma's intricate cloak hints at Dionysus' mythical connection with Hermes.
  
• Initially housed in the Gallery of Villa Medici in Rome, it found its home in Boboli Gardens in the late 18th century.

Artist: Giambologna (Douai 1529 - Florence 1608)
Year of construction: 1572-1584
Material used: Marble
Dimensions: Height 140 cm
Highlights:

• Admire Venus' graceful pose, designed to be viewed from every angle, highlighting Giambologna's mastery of the serpentine figure.
  
• Originally mentioned by Raffaello Borghini and Filippo Baldinucci, the statue was crafted in the early 1570s and later added to the Buontalenti Grotto.
  
• The fountain base, added in 1593, is adorned with African green marble and "Portasanta" red marble, adding to the grotto's naturalistic charm.

Artist: Vincenzo de' Rossi (Fiesole, 1525 - Florence, 1587)
Year of construction: 1558 - 1560
Material used: White marble
Dimensions: 182 cm (height)
Highlights:

• This statue, crafted by de' Rossi, depicts the dramatic abduction of Helen by Theseus, a key figure in Greek mythology.
  
• You can find it in the second room of the Buontalenti Grotto.
  
• The statue features a band on Theseus' chest with the inscription “VINCENTIVS DE RVBEIS CIVIS FLOREN. OPVS.”
  
• It's fascinating to see the sow Phaia at Theseus' feet, adding a touch of mythological detail.
  
• Originally admired by Cosimo I de' Medici, it showcases de' Rossi's mastery in carving a single block of marble.

Artists: Romolo Ferrucci known as Romolo del Tadda (Fiesole 1544 - Florence,1621); Orazio Mochi (Florence 1571 - 1625)
Year of construction: 1620
Material used: Serena stone
Dimensions: 158 cm (height)
Highlights:

• Commissioned by Cosimo II in 1620, this playful statue depicts a lively Tuscan game similar to "blind man's buff."
  
• Located along Cypress Lane, it captures a rustic, rural scene that fits perfectly with the garden's bucolic charm.
  
• The statue shows two blindfolded contenders, with one attempting to hit the other with a knotted cloth.
  
• Originally sketched by Orazio Mochi and brought to life in stone by Romolo del Tadda.
  
• It's fun to imagine the spirited game that inspired this sculpture, adding a touch of local culture to the gardens.

Artist: Giovanni Battista Capezzuoli (Florence? documented 1755-1800)
Year of construction: 1778-1780
Material used: Marble
Dimensions: 143 cm (height)
Highlights:

• Commissioned by Pietro Leopoldo between 1778 and 1780, this statue captures the playful spirit of the Boboli Gardens.
  
• Located along Cypress Lane, it’s the perfect counterpart to Gioco del Saccomazzone.
  
• The statue depicts a blindfolded young man attempting to hit an earthenware pot, while his amused companion watches.
  
• Capezzuoli chose to immortalize the moment of a missed shot, bringing a touch of humor and lightheartedness.
  
• With its almost Rococo flair, the statue showcases intricate details like open shirts, rumpled jackets, and expressive faces.
  
• Inspired by late Hellenistic sculpture and the pastoral scenes of artists like Fragonard and Boucher, it adds a whimsical charm to the garden's collection.