Into Maturity

New Sacristy

According to Michelangelo’s 16th-century biographer, Giorgio Vasari, “To be sure, anyone who has seen Michelangelo’s David has no need to see anything else by any other sculptor, living or dead.” (“Life of Michelangelo”,  in Lives of the Artists, I/339)

In the Galleria dell’Accademia, we will confront David and discuss how and why, under many aspects, Michelangelo’s genius is manifested in this inventive masterpiece. We will also discuss his Unfinished Slaves, four statues intended to decorate the tomb of Pope Julius II, which bring insight into the technique and creative process of the artist.

Michelangelo will work consistently for the Medici in the complex of San Lorenzo including the design and creation of the New Sacristy commissioned by the Medici Popes. Here, some of his most beautifully enigmatic sculptures remain almost hidden to the public eye. We will view extraordinary examples of Michelangelo’s innovative style in sculpture and architecture, from the beautiful statues of allegories of time, Night & Day, Dawn & Dusk, to the magnificent vaulted dome.

Duration: 3 hrs.
Site visited:
New Sacristy, the Gallery of the Accademia*
Price for 1-8pax:
€270

Additional forfeit price for headsets for 4-8pax: €30
*Entry & reservation fees: not included