LA TRIBUNA, Uffizi

Speranza

In essence, and originally, the TRIBUNA built by FRANCESCO de' MEDICI, was a rather grander version of the INTRICATE and delicate "studiolo" which he had built FOR HIMSELF in the Palazzo VECCHIO.

Francesco brought hs collection of bronzes and other statuary from the STUDIOLO in Palazzo Vecchio to this new and much more luxurious setting.

The CUPOLA of the TRIBUNA was encrusted with shells of mother-of-pearl against a background of scarlet lacquer.

At six points, the circuit round the room was interrupted by SIX ELEGANT CONSOLES, supporting the bronze statues of pagan deities and heroes which had been in his STUDIOLO.

Framing these six bronze statues were stepped arches also adorned with little figures and crowned with the SIX LABOURS OF ERCOLE cast in silver from models by Giambologna.

ALSO in the room where a VERY FEW antique statues, but as eeven the FULSOME and indiscriminating guidebook of Francesco BOCCHI would single out ONLY ONE OF THESE ('a sleeping CUPIDO') for rather perfunctory praise, it is HARDLY surprising that most of the awe-struck visitors to the TRIBUNA failed to notice them at all.