Cathedral Complex

The cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, located in an artistically incomparable area that has developed over the centuries, form the old centre of religious life and, at the same time, Brunelleschi’s magnificent dome provides the trademark of the city which is visible from afar. Our first examples show the architectural ensemble from various perspectives, whereby the focus is always on the portrayal of the entire dome. However, only the diagonal view of the complex by Giuseppe Carocci dating from the middle of the 19th century reveals that the cathedral had not been completed in its modern form at this time. In 1587, the gothic front, which had been only half-built, was demolished, but no decision was made on implementing one of the new designs submitted. On the occasion of the wedding of Prince Ferdinand de' Medici and Violante Beatrix of Bavaria in January 1690, a baroque front was finally faked using trompe-l'oeil fresco painting. This state is shown in the copper engraving with the graduated portrayal of the group of buildings. Only in 1887 was this interim design replaced by the neogothic front designed by the architect Emilio de Fabris. The history of the construction of the baptistery is disputed to this day. In mediaeval times, the story was established that it was originally a Roman temple dedicated to Mars, although this was later disproved. It is shown in a 1584 engraving which is part of the “Discorsi” by the Florentine Vincenzo Borghini; only in the details does it differ from our plate.