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The Hidden Face — Firenze
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The Hidden Face

Florence's Palazzo Vecchio features a mysterious carved figure on its right wall that piques the interest of many visitors. This figure, located behind the sculpture "Hercules and Cacus" by Baccio Bandinelli, has been attributed to Michelangelo.According to popular legend, Michel...

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The Hidden Face — Firenze, Italy.

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Firenze
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About The Hidden Face

The Hidden Face - Firenze | Secret World Trip Planner

Florence's Palazzo Vecchio features a mysterious carved figure on its right wall that piques the interest of many visitors. This figure, located behind the sculpture "Hercules and Cacus" by Baccio Bandinelli, has been attributed to Michelangelo.According to popular legend, Michelangelo is said to have portrayed the face of a man who constantly pestered him, known to Florentines as "Michelangelo's importunate." Alternatively, the artist is said to have immortalized the expression of a condemned man who had deeply affected him.The sculpture's position on the facade of the palace suggests that Michelangelo made it in a hurry, perhaps due to lack of time, thus explaining its simplicity. However, the attribution of the work to Michelangelo could not be confirmed with certainty.In any case, the mysterious face continues to fascinate visitors to the Palazzo Vecchio and remains an intriguing element of Florentine art history.

The Hidden Face - Firenze | Secret World Trip Planner
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Frequently Asked Questions

The mysterious carved figure, believed to be by Michelangelo, is located on the right wall of Palazzo Vecchio, positioned behind the sculpture 'Hercules and Cacus' by Baccio Bandinelli. This hidden gem is one of Florence's most intriguing artistic secrets that many visitors overlook.
According to legend, Michelangelo carved this mysterious face to immortalize either a man who constantly pestered him (known as 'Michelangelo's importunate') or a condemned man who deeply affected the artist. The true identity and inspiration remain shrouded in mystery, adding to its fascination.
While the carved figure is popularly attributed to Michelangelo, the attribution has not been confirmed with certainty by art historians. The sculpture's hastily-executed simplicity and its hidden placement suggest it may have been created quickly, but definitive proof of its creator remains elusive.
Look for the carved figure on the right wall of Palazzo Vecchio's facade, positioned directly behind the prominent 'Hercules and Cacus' sculpture. The face itself is relatively simple in execution, which historians believe reflects the speed at which it was carved.
The sculpture's simplicity is attributed to Michelangelo working in a hurry, likely due to lack of time during its creation. This hasty execution, combined with its hidden placement behind another sculpture, suggests it was a spontaneous artistic expression rather than a carefully planned work.

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