Volta 1515

This ceiling decoration, called Volta, was made by Jacopo Pontormo in Florence, Italy, sometime in the 16th century. Here we see art in the service of power and patronage. The overall design of the ceiling is highly ornamental, typical of the late Renaissance style known as Mannerism. However, it's the heraldic symbols that are most revealing. The Medici family, with their iconic coat of arms, were the dominant political force in Florence at this time, and they were major patrons of the arts. In Renaissance Italy, artistic skill was closely tied to social and political structures. Artists like Pontormo depended on the patronage of wealthy families like the Medici. To truly understand this work, we need to delve into the history of the Medici family, their rise to power, and their impact on the art and culture of Florence. By exploring the historical context, we can gain a richer understanding of the power dynamics at play and the ways in which art served as a tool for social and political expression.