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of Florentine rulers for generations, the Royal Apartments
in the Pitti Palace provided a rare opportunity to see how,
if not the other half, then perhaps the other 1%, lived.
It seemed no expense was spared in creating
lavish surroundings. One of the more interesting details was
revealed by a tour guide: a hidden network of doors
and passageways which allowed servants to go about
their duties without disturbing the occupants.
Homage
to Galileo?
The trompe l'oeil realism of the murals over the
throne room was impressive. This boy with his telescope is
probably a reference to Galileo, who was a tutor to the young
Cosimo Medici II.
How
Much is that Doggie in the Fresco?
Large wall murals in the living quarters contained
humorous details such as this child playing with a dog (mouse
over for a closer view).
From here I made a quick turn around
the Pitti's "Silver Museum" (Museo
degli Argenti). Not only silver, but gold, gemstones,
crystal and china were on display in abundance here.
Precious
Menagerie
I liked the playful creativity of
these odd shaped pearls, fashioned into an assortment of tiny
creatures.
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