Ospedale degli Innocenti, also known as the Hospital of the Innocents, is a historic building in Florence, Italy. It was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi and built between 1419 and 1427 for the Arte della Seta or Silk Guild of Florence. The building is regarded as a notable example of early Italian Renaissance architecture and is considered to be the first pure Early Renaissance structure....
The Museum Ospedale degli Innocenti (Florence, Italy)
Ospedale degli Innocenti, also known as the Hospital of the Innocents, is a historic building in Florence, Italy. It was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi and built between 1419 and 1427 for the Arte della Seta or Silk Guild of Florence. The building is regarded as a notable example of early Italian Renaissance architecture and is considered to be the first pure Early Renaissance structure.
History
The Ospedale degli Innocenti was originally built as a children's orphanage, managed by the Arte della Seta, one of the wealthiest guilds in Florence. The building was designed to provide care and shelter for abandoned children, and it is still considered one of the first examples of institutionalized welfare in Europe.
In 1770, the Arts were abolished, and consequently, the patronage of the Arte della Seta ceased. However, the hospital continued to operate as a children's home until 1875 when it became a museum. Today, the building houses a small museum of Renaissance art with works by Luca della Robbia, Sandro Botticelli, and Piero di Cosimo, as well as an Adoration of the Magi by Domenico Ghirlandaio. The building currently serves as the base of operations for the UNICEF Innocenti Research Centre.
Art Collection
The museum's art collection includes several famous works, such as the Tondo by Andrea Della Robbia, which is a glazed terracotta roundel depicting the Virgin and Child with Angels. The Tondo is one of the most iconic pieces in the museum's collection and is an excellent example of the use of terracotta in Renaissance art.
Another notable work in the museum's collection is the Portico by Filippo Brunelleschi, which is a series of arches supported by columns, creating a shaded walkway. The Portico is an excellent example of Brunelleschi's architectural style and is considered one of the first examples of linear perspective in architecture.
Architecture
The building's architecture is characterized by its simplicity, harmony, and proportion. The façade features a nine-bay loggia with round arches supported by Corinthian columns. The loggia is decorated with glazed terracotta medallions by Andrea Della Robbia, depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary and the Infant Jesus.
The interior of the building is equally impressive, featuring a large central courtyard surrounded by arcades on all four sides. The courtyard is decorated with frescoes by Bernardo Poccetti, depicting scenes from the life of Saint John the Baptist.
Visiting Ospedale degli Innocenti
Visitors to Florence can visit the museum and admire its art collection, architecture, and history. The museum is open every day except Monday, and tickets can be purchased online through ArtsDot's website (
Link).
In conclusion, the Ospedale degli Innocenti is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Renaissance art and architecture. The building's history, art collection, and architecture make it an essential part of any trip to Florence.
- Filippo Brunelleschi: Portico
- Filippo Brunelleschi: Façade (9)
- Andrea Della Robbia: Tondo
- Andrea Della Robbia: Tondo
- Filippo Brunelleschi: Loggia