The Colossal Statue of the Apennines, from Views of Villa di Pratolino

<p>On the outskirts of Florence, the Villa di Pratolino and its resplendent gardens and grottoes were built by the grand duke of Tuscany. Francesco de’ Medici constructed it for his mistress, Bianca Cappello, who later became his second wife. This view shows the gigantic statue personifying the Apennine Mountains, a masterpiece made in 1579–80 by the late Renaissance sculptor Giambologna.<br>The fantastical setting was a fitting subject for Stefano della Bella’s energetic yet delicate linework. His etchings of the Villa di Pratolino were so popular, the plates continued to be printed into the 18th century.</p>