Equestrian Statue of Niccolò da Tolentino, Renaissance fresco in Florence Cathedral, Italy
Description
The Equestrian Statue of Niccolò da Tolentino is a fresco showing a rider on horseback mounted on a classical pedestal on the interior wall of Florence Cathedral. The composition includes flowing garments and a hat on the figure, rendered with careful detail across the left side of the cathedral's interior space.
History
Andrea del Castagno painted this monumental fresco in 1456 to commemorate a Florentine military commander. The work hangs beside an earlier fresco by Paolo Uccello depicting another condottiero, with both pieces adorning the cathedral's interior wall.
Culture
The Latin inscription on the pedestal identifies Niccolò da Tolentino as a commander of the Florentine army, showing how the city honored its military leaders. His portrait on the cathedral wall reminds visitors of the importance of such figures in Florence's identity.
Practical
The fresco is located on the left side within Florence Cathedral's interior and is easy to spot when exploring the walls. Visitors can view the detailed rendering of the rider and horse from different positions as they move through the space.
Did you know?
The artist used different perspective techniques for the horse and rider compared to the pedestal below, creating visual complexity within the composition. This approach drew inspiration from Donatello's famous equestrian sculpture of Gattamelata.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Italy).
Florence Cathedral
78 m
Brunelleschi's dome
58 m
Piazza del Duomo
58 m
Florence Baptistery
82 m
Giotto's Campanile
52 m
Gates of Paradise
65 m
Santa Maria del Fiore façade
36 m
North Doors of the Florence Baptistery
73 m
Santa Reparata, Florence
23 m
Funerary Monument to Sir John Hawkwood
4 m
City wall of Florence
18 m
Tomb of Antipope John XXIII
113 m
South Doors of the Florence Baptistery
87 m
Porta della Mandorla
48 m
Venerabile Arciconfraternita della Misericordia di Firenze
76 m
Loggia del Bigallo
78 m
Teatro Niccolini
67 m
Palazzo dei Canonici
96 m
Torri degli Adimari
108 m
San Cristoforo degli Adimari
96 m
Torre dei Visdomini
106 m
Opera di San Giovanni
78 m
Casa Ghiberti
106 m
Angelic hierarchy
65 m
Casa de' Biffi
110 m
Museo della Misericordia
77 m
Battistero di San Giovanni a Firenze
81 m
Organo della cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore a Firenze
78 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes