Pianta Della Citta di Firenze

Superbly embellished plan of Florence by Ferdinando Ruggieri and engraved by Giusppe Molini. On the lower left is the figure of Marzocco the heraldic lion, best known in the rendition sculpted by Donatello in 1418&#821120, that is the symbol of Florence. With details of streets and elevations of buildings, also shows towers, gardens, piazzas and palaces. With a decorative title within a frame in the upper left quadrant. On the top right is the lily the symbol of Florence. An allegorical title cartouche in the lower left depicts a partially disrobed man leaning against a large urn with a lion, a popular Florentine icon called Marzocco, as his companion. Behind him are tall reeds partially blocking a magnificent view of the Palazzo Vecchio and the Duomo. Though printed in 1847 this map has been prepared in the 17th century style, by copperplate engraving, on thick laid paper. Firenze in 1847 was on the cusp of political transformation. One year following the production of this rare map the Grand Duke of Tuscany, responding to political demonstrations throughout Florence, granted a Tuscany its first constitution. The Marzocco is the heraldic lion, best known in the rendition sculpted by Donatello in 1418&#821120, that is a symbol of Florence. Marzocco was commissioned by the Republic of Florence for the apartment of Pope Martin V at Santa Maria Novella, where this traditional insegna of communal republican defense[1] stood guard atop a column at the foot of the stairs that led to the sale del papa (&quotPapal apartments&quot) in the convent.[ Giuseppe Molini (1772-1856) was a Florentine knight, bookseller, printer, publisher, bibliographer and librarian, active in the late 18th and early 19th century. �