Florence:
Gian Gastone de' Medici
Bust of Gian Gastone de' Medici
Almost three centuries have passed since the Medici family stopped ruling Florence, but the grand dukes continue to keep a beady eye on their erstwhile citizens, for their busts still grace the facades of a number of buildings in the centro storico.
I particularly like the bust of Gian Gastone de' Medici (r. 1723-37) on the facade of the Ospedale di Santa Maria Nuova, the work of the sculptor Antonio Montauti (1685-1740).
Sporting the most splendid wig, Gian Gastone was the seventh (and last) of the Medici grand dukes, whose death, without an heir, brought the dynasty to an end.
I particularly like the bust of Gian Gastone de' Medici (r. 1723-37) on the facade of the Ospedale di Santa Maria Nuova, the work of the sculptor Antonio Montauti (1685-1740).
Sporting the most splendid wig, Gian Gastone was the seventh (and last) of the Medici grand dukes, whose death, without an heir, brought the dynasty to an end.