I benefitted from the fact that the Bargello, like the Uffizi, opens at 8.15 so that it is possible to have a contemplative hour with some of the greatest Renaisssnce sculptures before taking a taxi to the airport. I like the way that the sculptures are displayed, as if outside, with the windows open, in a building which is itself of considerable significance as the first town hall and then its prison. This is it from outside as I waited on the church steps opposite for it to open:-
The sun was falling on Donatello’s David:-
This is the bust of Niccolò da Uzzano, previously attributed to Donatello:-
St. John the Baptist:-
Upstairs are nice empty rooms of arms and armour:-
And a style of museum display which I haven’t seen for a while:-









If you visit Bristol Museum and Art Galleriy’s ceramics galleries you’ll be rewarded with another example of that antique approach to display!