Public Art in Italy

In ancient times the Romans were keen supporters of public art, in fact they loved nothing more than erecting a statue in honour of an Emperor. The Romans treated public art with the same enthusiasm that they treated war. In fact public art became a way of gloating, "to the victor came the spoils" so to speak. Bigger, better, grander. Artists, like warriors, were worshipped. From Triumphal Arches to marble statues, Emperors wanted their achievements recognised and displayed for all the world to see and they wanted the best sculptor to create them. So it is understandable that a certain artistic rivalry would develop amongst the greatest sculptors of Italy and they weren't shy in expressing it through their work. Artistic rivalry can be found just about everywhere in Italy, from Bernini and Borromini (Piazza Navona) to Bandinelli and Michelangelo (Florence).

Rome

Public Art of Rome - Where does one start in Rome ? You practically fall over public art, it is possibly the epicentre of all public art. Fountains, statues, triumphal arches, obelisks, you name it is there. No one could put a figure on exactly how many pieces of public art existed in ancient times let alone now. Click here to discover more about the Public Art in Rome collection. Featured public art include the Dioscuri, Vittorio Emmanuelle II Statue, Fountain of the Moor , Fountain of the Four Rivers , Saint Catherine Statue and the Trevi Fountain.

Florence

Public Art of Florence - Florence and Rome have an artistic rivalry like no other two cities. Artists such as Masaccio, Brunelleschi, Donatello, Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti bloomed in the 15th century Florence. With the rise of Florence came the artistic period known as the Renaissance. Some of the greatest pieces of art in history were created during this time. Click here for more about Public Art in Florence. Featured public art include Hercules & Cacus Sculpture, Fountain of Neptune, Statue of David, the Dante Statue