♥ Florence Hôtels et Restaurants • Musées Florence

The 14th-century city of Fiorenza is depicted in a fresco housed in the small and little-known Museo del Bigallo, located in the heart of the city centre opposite the Babtistery.
The fresco in question is La Madonna della Misericordia and was painted by Bernardo Daddi in 1342.
It is a fascinating work, as is I capitani dello Misericordia affidano alle madri i fanciulli abbandonati, produced by Niccolo di Pietro Gerini in 1386.

Both works shed light on the advanced degree of civilization achieved by Florence in terms of Christian care for the poor and disadvantaged.
And it is no coincidence that these works are to be found in the Bigallo, because the premises were once occupied by the Compagnia della Misericordia, whose mission was to help the young and needy, and by the Confraternita del Bigallo, which merged with the Misericordia under the 14th-century loggia where the museum entrance is now situated.

The museum itself contains a small but invaluable collection of art works produced in Florence between the 14th and 16th centuries.