Pegasus at the Boboli Gardens in Florence, Italy

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The statue of Pegasus was crafted by Aristodemo Costoli, an Italian sculptor who dedicated his entire career to the city of Florence. His notable students included Girolamo Masini, Augusto Rivalta, and his son Leopoldo Costoli. This iconic piece is situated adjacent to a lush slope that connects the Boboli Gardens to the level of Palazzo Pitti, the majestic Ducal palace built by Cosimo I de' Medici, the first Grand Duke of Tuscany. Originally constructed by a rival family member to surpass their own Palazzo Medici, Palazzo Pitti was later acquired by Eleonora di Toledo de' Medici. The hill behind the palace, excavated for stone to expand its buildings, was transformed into the Boboli Gardens, a renowned segmented strolling garden featuring statues, fountains, grottoes, water tricks, and other spectacular elements that have inspired countless copies of Italian Formal Gardens across Europe. The formal garden's design had a profound impact on European landscapes, as Niccolo Tribolo initially began the project but tragically passed away soon after, prompting Bartolomeo Ammannati to take over and create a masterpiece in the style of Michelangelo, much to the dismay of Baccio Bandinelli, who harbored intense jealousy towards Michelangelo and Cellini.