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Monday, 9 July 2012

GARDENS: The Apennine Colossus by Giambologna in the gardens of Villa di Pratolino,

A Tuscan marvel!

After walking though woods in filtered sunlight, and arbours of emerald and sage green, an enormous giant appears suddenly, built in 'rustic style' by Giambologna - no less.  It is a very great and pleasurable surprise - the only surviving feature of a garden full of marvels, jokes and fun.  Made in the 1580's, a present of Francesco I de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany and Bianca Capello his Venetian mistress with whom he was in love and later married after the death of his wife, Joanna of Austria.


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