Il Duomo, Florence Cathedral, is still one of the biggest churches in the world. Its impressive dome along with the bell tower can be seen slightly to the left of centre in this picture. The dome was built by the architect Filippo Brunelleschi (1377-1446) on the then unfinished Santa Maria del Fiore, as is the correct name for this church. Paul Fumagalli has drawn this view as seen from another church – San Miniato al Monte. Thorvaldsen also possessed Fumagalli’s aquatint etching portraying the interior of the church (inv. no. E549).
Whether in Thorvaldsen’s day you were an artist or were simply on the grand tour, it was an understood thing that you should go to Florence in addition to Venice, Rome and Naples. The artists concentrated on the art. For the other travellers it was a question of general education and extending their horizon, for instance by becoming acquainted with other countries’ political systems. Thorvaldsen also visited Florence on several occasions. In addition, he made two reliefs for the high altar in the SS. Annunziata (inv. no. A562) and the chapel of the Villa Poggio Imperiale near Florence (inv. no. A565).
