Ever wondered about life in times gone by? Explore the domestic lives of wealthy families as told through the ages in two remarkable residences. Wander through rooms adorned with period furnishings and captivating artworks, and breathe the atmosphere of daily life in the past.
Discover two distinct residences, two unique museums, two very different places that differ greatly in history and style. Yet, they are both witnesses of how, whether in the medieval times or in the 18th-century, art was always an essential element of home and life.
Palazzo Davanzati stands as a singular example of a medieval private residence in Florence. Adorned with enchanting murals inspired by French chivalric romances and Northern Italian painting, the palace miraculously escaped the sweeping demolitions of 19th-century Florence. This was thanks to the dedication of history and art enthusiasts, many from the thriving Anglo-American community residing in the city. Acquired, restored, and furnished by the artist and antiquarian Elia Volpi, it opened in 1910 as the “Museum of Ancient Florentine House.” Compellingly evocative of daily life in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, it gained international acclaim and gave rise to the “Davanzati-style” in the interior decoration of grand American villas of the time. Today, under Italian state ownership since 1956, the palace retains its captivating allure. Amidst medieval walls and fresco cycles, precious furnishings and a refined collection of lace are preserved – all items used or even crafted within wealthy residences such as Palazzo Davanzati.
Casa Martelli, once the residence of the eponymous ancient Florentine family, seamlessly extends the narrative from the medieval and Renaissance eras to the noble ambiance of the 17th and 18th centuries. Just like Palazzo Davanzati, also Casa Martelli showcases unique rooms wholly painted with murals such as the “landscape room”, painted with a woodland landscape, and the “pergola room” featuring a trompe-l’oeil pergola, once used as a winter garden. These “natural” settings framed the cultured discussions of Florentine Enlightenment, vividly captured in an intriguing painting from 1777 by Giovan Battista Benigni: it depicts the Martelli family in one of their rooms while the butler serves hot chocolate, a brand new treat at the time.
The picture gallery on the first floor is a distinctive feature of Casa Martelli, witnessing the family’s enduring love for art, evident even during economic challenges that led nonetheless to significant art sales. Every corner has a story to tell, from neoclassical door decorations to the intimate boudoir and the grand ballroom, evoking memories of dancing soirées with the orchestra discreetly tucked away on the balcony.
Join us on a journey through time, where each chamber, every piece of furniture, and every artwork tells a tale of the past.
