Viva Italia 12
? missing the pedometer count - but it’s still pretty high
Did a smart thing on Monday - spotted a ticket booth at Orsanmichele with Uffizi tix for the usual price of 6.50E and a modest 3E processing fee. Hotel couldn’t get them, and we couldn’t get them in person, and I’m starting to guess one of the reasons they’re in short supply is places like these (and tour package houses) buy them in large blocks. No harm. And now we know the game. Yes, I did buzz through playing TAG on Sunday the end of National Museum Week, but it only counts as tag and THEY didn’t have any reservable tickets either. Remember for next time - Orsanmichele.
So here we are in the famous Uffizi. Wait on line about 3 minutes, and go back to check my backpack. Grrrrr. Next time, bring sketchbook. Saw EVERYTHING. Or at least felt like it. The Boticellis always felt stiff and grey. I so much prefer the Raphaells. C----: "If I see ONE more blasted Madonna and Child...I’ll....it’s gonna....well...it’s gonna probably be tomorrow."
So many of these things have always been pictures in books, now right here. THE Eleanora. THE Beatrice, THE red pouffy sleeve dress (necklace spells out Amore Dure Sans Fin), sculptures, icons... Found a rogue’s gallery too - the entire third floor is lined with clerestory portraits of heads of state and church and news, all the same size and style, all labeled in about the same hand. About 20x26 inches. Figure it’s a Foley file. Lorenzo the Magnificent wanted to be able to recognize Suliman the Magnificent and his daughter correctly and instantly. Send the court painter, review guest lists as necessary. Found Henry VIII between Katherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn, but none of the other six. Maybe they gave up. Found Rasputin. Veritable Sardi’s of portraiture.
Strolled through the San Lorenzo flea market for a dose of