Here, in a drawing by an unknown artist, is the Medici Villa in Fiesole, the hilltown above Firenze. This hilltop dwelling, commissioned by Giovanni, Cosimo il Vecchio's second son, with its view over the city, is the very first example of a Renaissance villa: that is to say it follows the Albertian criteria for rendering a country dwelling a "villa suburbana". Once believed to have been designed by the architect Michelozzo, current attribution is given to Alberti.
Unlike the other Medici in the countryside, which are the centers of agricultural operations, this villa has around it only a very beautiful garden. Visitors to the garden are allowed, in groups, with advance reservations by fax: (+39) 055 2398994.
This villa, and 13 other Medici villas, has been nominated for inclusion in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. More information, and a way to sign the petition is here:
http://www.turismo.intoscana.it/intoscana2/export/TurismoRTen/sito-TurismoRTen/Contenuti/Elementi-interesse/Siti-storici/visualizza_asset.html_334468815.html
A learned reader has informed me that this image is a fresco by Ghirlandaio in the Tournabuoni Chapel at Santa Maria Novella in Florence. If so, I would have seen it this last spring, although I think at the time, my attention was focused on the fine Renaissance costumes in the frescoes.
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