New Sacristy, Sepulchral chapel in Basilica of San Lorenzo, Florence, Italy
The New Sacristy is a burial chapel within the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Florence, housing monumental Medici family tombs. The cubical chamber displays white marble surfaces with dark grey architectural elements and carries a dome with a lantern.
Pope Leo X and Cardinal Giulio de Medici commissioned Michelangelo from 1519 onward to design this burial site for deceased family members. The work continued until 1534, though the artist left Florence permanently in 1534 and several sculptures remained unfinished.
The tombs display reclining figures on the dukes' sarcophagi, while a Madonna and Child marks the Medici family burial vault in the rear wall. Visitors often notice the thoughtful posture of the male figures and the relaxed pose of the female ones above the graves.
The chapel belongs to the Medici Chapels museum complex and opens most weekdays. The room offers dim light, so it helps to wait a moment after entering for your eyes to adjust.
The dome lantern uses a polyhedral design that channels natural light through geometric facets into the burial chamber. This play of geometry and light highlights the marble work without letting direct sunlight fall on the sculptures.
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