NAVE AND ALTAR OF THE CHURCH OF SAN MINIATO AL MONTE - IN FLORENCE ,Italy,1874 Print,Toscany Architecture Print

Historical Collectible Italian Architecture Art Print

It was constructed sometime after the year 1000 on top of a pre-existent Oratory that had been built by St. Miniato, the first evangelizer and Christian martyr in Florence. Victim of the persecutions of the Emperor Decius (249-251 A.D.), Miniato is thought to have been an Armenian prince: the legend narrates that, after his decapitation, he picked up his head, put it back on his neck and went to die in a cave on Monte alle Croci, where he had lived as a hermit and where later the oratory and the church that bear his name were to be built. Construction on the temple, one of the finest examples of pure Florentine Romanesque architecture, first started in 1018, thanks to Bishop Ildebrando, and continued until 1207. The facade was carried out in white Carrara and green Prato marble (12th-13th centuries) and divided into two orders linked together by rhombiform inlaid work, in allusion to the "opus reticolatum", the typical system used during the Roman Empire for building walls; it was also used by Leon Battista Alberti for the base of Palazzo Rucellai. The interior (where additions were carried out up until Baroque times) is divided into three naves, with a beautiful inlaid marble floor decorated with the Symbols of the Zodiac (11th century) in the centre. The raised Presbitery is formed by a rare Tuscan-Romanesque sculptoral complex of classical inspiration: the altar, enclosed by a marble transenna (1207), the square pulpit (the work of Giovanni di Gaiole and Francesco di Domenico) and the lectern, supported by the eagle of St. John the Evangelist. The Choir contains a mosaic of the enthroned Christ in benediction (1297, restored by Alessio Baldovinetti in 1491). The crypt (11th century) is situated underneath the Presbitery; it is supported by 36 agile columns of various origin and the ceiling is frescoed with Saints and Prophets by Taddeo Gaddi. The remains of St. Miniato were placed here in 1013. The beautiful and refined Chapel of the Crucifix stands in front of it, in the centre of the main aisle; this is a Renaissance marble shrine that Michelozzo was commissioned to carry out (1448) by Piero dei Medici to contain the so-called St. Giovanni Gualberto Crucifix, which was greatly venerated and is now in Santa Trinita: there are terracottas by Luca della Robbia on the barrel vaults and a panel by Agnolo Gaddi above the altar. Apart from several 14th and 15th century frescoes, the righthand nave contains the remains of St. Miniato, an altar with a cuspidate panel, the masterpiece of Jacopo del Casentino, and the entrance to the Sacristy, frescoed by Spinello Aretino with Stories of St. Benedict (1387 c. much restored in 1840), possibly this artist's most important work. The Renaissance Chapel of the Cardinal of Portugal (1461-66) in the lefthand nave was built by Brunelleschi's pupil Antonio Manetti for Jacopo di Lusitania, the Cardinal Archbishop of Lisbon, who died in Florence in 1459. The five medallions on the ceiling are by Luca della Robbia, while the chapel itself contains a fresco of the Annunciation by Alessio Baldovinetti (1466-67), a panel (whose original is in the Uffizi) and frescoes of Angels in flight by Antonio e Piero del Pollaiolo. The marble funeral monument was carved by Antonio Rossellino. A contribution by the great artist Paolo Uccello can be found in the cloister: remains of the frescoes of Scenes from the lives of the Holy Fathers (1440 c.), painted in the upper loggia.

This exquisite Architecture Print shows a remarkable drawing of Tuscan Renaissance Architecture. This is a rare 1874 reprint from the publication of 1815. This print is over 130 years old.

PUBLISHER- DUCHER & Cie

EDITORS - GRANDJEAN DE MONTIGNY, A. AND A. FAMIN, - Both artists studied a Beaux-Arts curriculum under Charles Percier and Pierre Leonard Fontaine. Grandjean de Montigney won the Prix de Rome in 1799, and Famin in 1801. Later Grandjean de Montigny taught at the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts in Rio de Janeiro. These publications showcases their background in Italianate architecture, with interior and exterior views and measured drawings.The works include Palaces, Exquisite Homes & Mansions, Churches and other Public and Private Buildings mainly from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries.

Approximate Overall Size: 17 X 11 1/4 inches

CONDITION: FOLIO ENGRAVING. Blank on the back. Excellent condition. Heavier paper.Suitable ageing. The image is clean, clear and sharp with beautiful depth and detail.This beautiful rare item would look great matted and framed. An art supply store can provide you with a selection of frames for old art treasures.