In the Palazzo Vecchio can be seen the grandiose representation of the figure of triumph and glory. Both celebrate and praise Cosimo I of the Medici who with the strength of arms and strategy defeated all his rivals, placing himself at the height of a power destined to last in time. The fame of these numerous victories was to leave its mark on history. Cosimo commissioned Giorgio Vasari, his court painter – no doubt a more valid architect and art historian – to illustrate the victories of the Florentine troops on the walls and ceiling of the sumptuous Sala dei Cinquecento in the Palazzo Vecchio or, if you prefer, Palazzo della Signoria. And, amidst the clangor of arms and the stampede of horses, of faces tried by exertion, pain and terror, is visible a painting with a fine structural approach, the ‘Allegory of Clante’ where all the subjects and symbols that identify this region are illustrated. It is clearly inspired by the cartoons of the Battles of Anghiari and Cascina, abandoned years before by Leonardo and Michelangelo somewhere in the Palazzo. In the foreground, emerges the figure of an old pensive Bacchus which is the foreshorned centre of the composition. Just behind, an armed youth holds a large shield on which is depicted the symbol of the ancient League: from two priceless vases, gush the waters of the rivers Elsa and Pesa, which flow through the territory and, below, illuminated by a glowing light recalling the flames of a battle, are the strongholds of Castellina, Radda and Brolio, the noble fortifications representing the Florentine supremacy.
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See also:

An Overview of Chianti, The Chianti Countryside, Two Ancient Cities and The Chianti

or go back to A Land Between Two Ancient Cities