File:Florence in poetry, history and art (1913) (14763447765).jpg

Identifier: florenceinpoetry00ryan (find matches)
Title: Florence in poetry, history and art
Year: 1913 (1910s)
Authors: Ryan, Sara Agnes
Subjects:
Publisher: Chicago, Mayer and Miller Co.
Contributing Library: Robarts - University of Toronto
Digitizing Sponsor: University of Toronto

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y;the architecture under Arnolfo and Giotto wasnot extended in any noticeable case, except per-haps when Orcagna built the Loggia of the Bi-gallo, and altered Or San Micheli into a church,and when Taddeo Gaddi, in 1362, rebuilt thePonte Vecchio, which connects the Palazzo Vec-chio with the palaces of later date, the Pitti andthe Uffizi. The bridge—a Eoman one—had been demol-ished repeatedly by the floods of the Arno. Longfellow tells about it in this poem: 1 Taddio Gaddi built me—I am old,Five centuries old. I plant my foot of stoneUpon the Arno as Saint Michaels ownWas planted on the dragon. Fold by foldBeneath me as it struggles, I beholdIts glistening scales. Twice has it overthrownMy kindred and companions. Me aloneIt moveth not, but is by me controlled.I can remember when the MediciWere driven from Florence; longer still agoThe final wars of Ghibelline and Guelf;Florence adorns me with her jewelry;And when I think that Michael AngeloHath leaned on me, I glory in myself. 132
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The Medici. Under the arches on either side of the bridgethe goldsmiths have for centuries plied theirtrade and stationed their shops— Florence adorns me with her jewelry. In literature we find Florences two greatsons pouring out their souls in melody but ban-ished from her walls, and the only writer nowknown beyond the citys gates, using the settingfor his Decameron in his plague-ridden city. It is true that at the close of the century wereborn those who later shed a luster on her fame,but their work did not begin until the succeed-ing century—Ghiberti, Brunelleschi, Donatelloand Angelico. In my waking dreamsI see the marvelous dome of Brunelleschi,Ghibertis gates of bronze, and Giottos tower;And Ghirlandajos lovely Benci glidesWith folded hands amid my trembled thoughts,A splendid vision. —Longfellow. To follow the history of the Medici would leadus into international affairs of Europe, duringthe centuries of the familys power. We shouldfollow two members of their family as po

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