The small parish church of St. Mary in Pulicciano rises on the summit of a panoramic hill, once home to a fortified castle belonging to the Municipality of Florence. The present building dates from the end of the 19th century, and in 1908, it was reopened for worship after being decorated on the inside by the Chini brothers. On July 24, 1927, the lunette on the façade, created by the San Lorenzo Furnaces based on designs by Galileo Chini, was solemnly inaugurated.
The lunette, made of polychromatic majolica, depicts the Assumption of the Virgin, set against a vast and luminous landscape. In the background, representations of both the ancient castle of Pulicciano and the one from that period can be seen. Additionally, two coats of arms in relief are held by lion-like busts, also in relief. This lunette represents one of the finest works produced by the Furnaces for public and religious purposes, both stylistically and technically. The excellent state of preservation of the piece, which has spent many years exposed to the elements in a climate with typically harsh winters, is remarkable. The lunette, a true painting on majolica, shows the finesse and elegance of the Liberty style, while also drawing upon the customary references to Italy’s past artistic heritage.
The extraordinary pictorial and graphic qualities of the work, which unmistakably bear the influence of Galileo Chini, especially in one of his last collaborations with the project, as well as the exceptional technical level achieved through the experience and expertise of Chino Chini and his team, make this lunette one of the most valuable examples of the refined and eclectic art of the Chinis in the municipal territory of Borgo San Lorenzo.
Next to the entrance door to the presbytery is an example of the commemorative plaque from the Franciscan Centenary (1926), which stands out due to the exceptional quality of its varnishing.
Scheda di Marco Pinelli, foto di Marta Magherini
© Il Filo – Idee e Notizie dal Mugello
Progetto Itinerario Liberty Mugello – Unione montana dei Comuni del Mugello
