MICHELOZZO DI BARTOLOMEO
(b. 1396, Firenze, d. 1472, Firenze)

Palazzo Medici Riccardi: Courtyard

1445-60
Photo
Via Camillo Cavour, Florence

The central courtyard of the Medici Palace is strikingly different from the exterior of the building. Here the novelty of the building becomes obvious in the refined classical detailing of the arcade which completely surrounds the courtyard, and in the sculpted roundels suggesting ancient Roman gems that decorate the frieze above the arcade.

The courtyard portico has Corinthian columns. The graffiti are the work of Maso di Bartolomeo, and the medallions on the architrave above the arches are attributed to Bertoldo. Behind the statue of Orpheus by Bandinelli is the entrance to the garden.

View the ground plan of Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence.