A lucky stumble-upon

It was a corker of a day today, with lovely sunshine, just warm enough to make you seek out shade when you could. I decided it would be a good opportunity to take the train from Prato to Lucca. This is a leisurely ride, with plenty of stops and time to enjoy the passing scenery.

After a much needed lunch break, I set off for the Carrefour supermarket, looking for a particular brand of hand cream that I have found only in Italy. Although that was not a success, I did happen upon this statue in the portico of Palazzo Pretoriale. 

Meet Matteo Civitali (1436–1502), a Lucchenese surgeon turned sculptor (and architect, engineer and painter). I rather dislike these multi-talented people.

Because I’m a tad jealous of his many skills, I’ll leave you to find out more about him, if that is your desire. I shan’t think less of you because of that. 

Just to show what a giving soul I am, here are a few more images of this paragon.

I want a determined jaw like that. But, not the beard.

I guess he used this hammer thing when he did his (allegedly brilliant) sculpturing.

What is this sharp object, Matteo? Did you use it in your surgery, or your sculpture?

Well, this did soften my hard attitude toward this gifted man. How many hands have caressed this shoe? Whatever the count was, add one for mine. I really do admire you, Matteo Civitali, gifted sculptor from Lucca.

If you visit Lucca, you’ll see many of his works in the Cathedral of San Martino.