For the love of God: Damien Hirst on show - Palazzo Vecchio, Florence

From 26 November 2010 to 1 May 2011 Palazzo Vecchio in Florence will host “For the Love of God”, the diamond-encrusted skull by British artist Damien Hirst.

“For the Love of God” is a platinum cast of a human skull encrusted with 8601 diamonds for a total of 1,106.18 carats. A cast which has on its forehead a large pink diamond-shaped drop. A legendary diamond called “the star of the skull.”

This strange, contemporary and celebrated object, is now one of the most important opera by contemporary movement. It will remain on display within one of the symbols of the Florentine culture. Palazzo Vecchio, the historic seat of Florentine government and one of the great masterpieces of Italian Renaissance art and architecture. The building decorated by Vasari, which housed the court of Duke Cosimo I de ‘Medici.

The public will see “For the Love of God” presented in the House of Duke Cosimo, passing through the studio of Francesco I de ‘Medici, usually visited only by appointment.

Since it was forged, “For the Love of God” has been exhibited only twice before being housed in Florence. The first time was during the inaugural presentation took place at White Cube in London (the personal gallery of Damien Hirst) in 2007, then it was exhibited in 2008 at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam in 2008. On that occasion he managed to collect some 250,000 visitors.