#28.
Piece: Taddei Tondo
Artist: Michelangelo
About: I’d planned to write about a near flawless replica of the Last Supper for my final piece. It’s at the RA, and its quite a spectacle – painted just a few years after Leonardo died. But it didn’t sit right with me having a replica on this list. Luckily, the neighbouring display case holds the Taddei Tonda, the only marble sculpture by Michelangelo in Great Britain. Not a bad substitution! On the left hand side stands an infant figure representing John the Baptist. He’s showing Christ a goldfinch, symbolising his impending crucifixion. Christ is pulling away – some think in fear, others believe its a playful move. To my eye, it certainly looks like fear. It was marvellous to be able to get so up close to it. The piece was left unfinished, allowing the viewer to see the chisel marks of Michelangelo – its breathtaking.