On display

.

Today’s theme is about what we can find in Florentine shop windows. Items and displays that might differ from what we are used to at home. Above Alice’s Masks in via Faenza. A bit overwhelming just to look through the window, not sure what to expect inside.

.

.

Here and there you find elegant shops with copies of classic sculpture. Maybe not the easiest of souvenirs to bring home.

.

.

Neither is this perhaps. Don’t know what security check would say about these Luccan machetes. But they look beautifully rustic and handmade. And frightfully sharp.

.

.

Leather work is one of the traditional Florentine crafts and the quality is usually excellent. Here behind you can see not only nice painted vaults but the leather workshop.

.

.

If a bag is not your cup of tea, then maybe this shop with replicas from the Duomo will catch your attention. Via delle Studio.

.

.

This Luccan speciality, Torta Verde, is a sweet cake made of vegetables. Swiss chard or spinach, parsley and parmesan cheese are some of the ingredients. Looks and sounds like lunch, but is dessert. 🙂
Bilingual recipe here if you get cravings!

.

.

A typical food and wine shop. Much nicer than the supermarket.

.

.

Not sure what the decorator’s idea was here. “The only garment you need to cover yourself is our trendy leather bag”? Masaccio’s Expulsion from the garden of Eden (in Capella Brancacci, Santa Maria del Carmine) puts poor Adam and Eve right in the fashion spotligtht.

.

.

And finally an Oltrarno antiques shop.
Extra bonus question for the heraldically inclined: How many lions hide in these photos?

.

Clet

.

First time I came across this sign I had no idea. I just thought it was really clever and took a mobile shot.

.

.

Since then I have seen these improved street signs all over Florence. Next time I will go for a real hunt.
For now I’ll just show you a few examples.

.

.

The artist is called Clet Abraham and lives in Florence. His street sign art is spread all around in many countries, so keep your eyes open, you might find one where you least expect it!

.

.

Image from Google maps, I couldn’t resist. This tiny piazza has two signs!

.

.

Clet has a shop in the corner of Via dell’ Olmo/Via San Niccolò, by the church.
I was thrilled to find it open late one night.

.

.

Here below a few examples of his graphic art. Clever, isn’t it? I love the Baptistry turning into an espresso maker!

.

.

Want more? Do an image search (here is a link) and you’ll find tons!

.