Funerary Monument to Sir John Hawkwood, Equestrian fresco in Florence Cathedral, Italy
Description
The Funerary Monument to Sir John Hawkwood is a large painted mural inside Florence Cathedral depicting the English mercenary commander on horseback, measuring approximately 8 meters tall and 5 meters wide. The work uses a plain green background that helps the horse and the base of the monument stand out clearly when viewed from the cathedral floor.
History
The fresco was created by Paolo Uccello in 1436 to honor the English mercenary Sir John Hawkwood, who led Florence to victory at Cascina in 1364. The work was painted decades after Hawkwood's death, showing how the city chose to commemorate its military heroes for the long term.
Culture
The memorial commemorates Sir John Hawkwood, an English military leader who served Florence, and reflects how the city honored foreign commanders who brought them victory. His image on horseback became a standard way to celebrate such figures in Renaissance Florence.
Practical
The fresco is located on the left side of the cathedral's main nave and remains clearly visible from ground level. A similar memorial to another military leader hangs nearby, making it easy to compare both works during your visit.
Did you know?
The original fresco was initially rejected by cathedral officials who felt the color scheme was too vibrant for their taste. Uccello had to rework and repaint portions of the piece in more muted tones to gain their approval.
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