Statue of Giovanni delle Bande Nere

The Statue of Giovanni delle Bande Nere on Piazza San Lorenzo shows a military commander seated on an ornate base while holding a staff of command. The base features Doric columns and detailed carved panels that form an architectural whole with the marble figure.

The statue was commissioned in 1540 by Cosimo I de Medici, and sculptor Baccio Bandinelli devoted many years to its creation. This long production timeline reflects the painstaking effort required for important monuments during the Renaissance period.

The monument depicts a military commander in full armor, blending symbols of power with ornate decorations carved into the base. These details tell stories of warfare and Renaissance craftsmanship through their careful design.

The monument stands on Piazza San Lorenzo near the church of the same name and is easily reached on foot. The square is accessible and serves as a natural meeting point in the center of Florence.

The statue and its base remained separate for many years and were finally assembled together in 1850. This makes the work a remarkable example of how artworks can achieve their final form across centuries.

Creator: Baccio Bandinelli

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Made from material: marble

GPS coordinates: 43.77501,11.25503

Latest update: December 12, 2025 08:01