Allegory of Winter
by AMMANATI, Bartolomeo, Stone
Between 1563 and 1565 Ammanati modelled and cast a half-length giant in bronze to represent the mountain range of the Apennines. It is the centrepiece of the fishpond on the highest terrace of the gardens of Il Castello: the naked giant, seeming to shiver with cold, appears to rise out of an islet in the centre of the sheet of water. The top of his head is pierced to emit water, which drips down over his shoulders and in winter forms icicles.
This allegorical stone statue in the garden designed by Niccolò Tribolo is one of the famous works by Ammanati.
Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 11 minutes):
Vivaldi: Concerto in F minor RV 297 op. 8 No. 4 (Winter)