Clutching Secret Florence in my hand, I headed to the Piazza Signoria for another find. I have stood in front of David at the Palazzo Vecchio many times, but I have never seen the tiny sketch carved on the wall behind him.
Stand in front of the statue of Hercules and Cacus.
Now walk behind the statue, look up.
That bit isn’t actually relevant, but it is a nice view. Now turn around and at about eye level near the corner of the Palazzo Vecchio is this.
Michelangelo is said to have carved this little profile into the building. One version of the story is that Michelangelo sketched a portrait of a prisoner waiting his turn at the gallows, but there are others.
Whatever is the truth, it is incredible that a piece of Michelangelo graffiti exists. Look for it next time you are in the magnificent Piazza Signoria.