Palazzo Bartolini Salimbeni
The Palazzo Bartolini Salimbeni is a palace in Florence, central Italy.
History
The palace is situated where once were the residence of the Soldanieri and later Dati families, who were bought by Bartolomeo Bartolini-Salimbeni.
The current edifice was built by Baccio d'Agnolo between 27 February 1520 and May 1523, as testified b ya diary held by Bartolini. The architect was paid two florins per month.
The Bartolini-Salimbeni lived in the palace until the early 19th century. In 1839 it became the Hotel du Nord, where figures such as the American writer Herman Melville soujourned. In 1863 it was acquired by the Pio di Savoia princes and split between different owners.
The palace was restored in 1961 and it is now a private property.
Description
Palazzo Bartolini Salimbeni is the first palace in Florence built according to the "Roman" Renaissance style: new details for the city included the portal with columns at the sides, the use of pilasters, the square windows with a triangular pediment and the corners with rustication.
The new style, according to the Renaissance art historian Giorgio Vasari, caused much criticism to Baccio d'Agnolo, leading him to add the Latin inscription Carpere promptius quam imitari ("Criticizing is easier than imitating"). The windows have another inscription, in Italian, saying Per non dormire ("In order not to sleep"), the motto of the Salimbeni family. It is a reference to its members' habit to postpone sleeping to affairs. This is also recalled by Bartolini-Salimbeni coat of arms in the frieze at the first floor, featuring three papavers in another reference to sleep.
The palace has a central court with Classical influences. It has a portico on three sides, with columns and round arches. The ground and first floors have grotesque monochrome decorations. The first floor has a loggia with a coffered ceiling. This is surmounted by another smaller loggia on a raised position.
See also
- Palazzo Antinori, also partially attributed to Baccio d'Agnolo