Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Triumphal Arch of the Lorraine

Triumphal Arch of the Lorraine by Jean-Nicolas Jadot, Piazza della Libertà, Florence

Triumphal Arch of the Lorraine by Jean-Nicolas Jadot, 1737
Piazza della Libertà
Florence, January 2020

“The arch has emanated a foreign aura even since its erection in 1737-1739 by the newly-arrived French architect, Jean Nicolas Jadot, to welcome the arrival (or visit) of the new ruler Francis Stephen, former Duke of Lorraine. Some sources add the efforts of Francesco Schamant of Lorraine to the design. The statuary was not added until 1744. However, many ephemeral decorations including tapestries were used along Via San Gallo to welcome the ruler in January 1739. This new duke's stay in Florence was short lived as he quickly moved Vienna to become emperor. The next duke, Francis' second son, Viennese-born Leopold, would not be named duke until 1765, when he moved to Florence with his Spanish-born wife.” (Triumphal Arch of the Lorraine, Wikipedia)

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