Until September 14, 2025, Florence’s historic Piazza della Signoria hosts a striking new addition to its artistic landscape: Time Unfolding, a monumental bronze sculpture by British artist Thomas J Price. Part of the wider exhibition Thomas J Price in Florence, curated by Sergio Risaliti, this installation creates a powerful dialogue between contemporary and Renaissance art.
Florence has long embraced the juxtaposition of old and new in its public art displays, having previously welcomed works by Jeff Koons, Jan Fabre, Urs Fischer, Francesco Vezzoli, and Henry Moore. Price’s contribution continues this tradition, offering a fresh perspective on identity, representation, and public space.
Time Unfolding: A New Vision in Piazza della Signoria
At nearly four meters tall, Time Unfolding breaks from the heroic and mythological figures that have historically dominated Piazza della Signoria. Instead of a god, warrior, or statesman, Price presents an ordinary young woman, her posture casual, her gaze directed at her phone. The figure does not stand on a pedestal but is grounded on the very stones of the piazza, creating an immediate connection with passersby.
This contemporary intervention challenges the classical ideals that have shaped Western art for centuries. Where Michelangelo’s David, Cellini’s Perseus, and Giambologna’s Rape of the Sabines evoke themes of power and mythology, Time Unfolding reflects modern life, urging viewers to consider the evolving role of public sculpture.
A Dialogue Between Eras
Thomas J Price is renowned for his ability to blend traditional sculptural techniques with modern themes. His works, though rooted in historical traditions, subvert expectations by highlighting the everyday. His choice of materials—bronze with a gold patina—echoes the grandeur of Renaissance statues while presenting a subject deeply embedded in contemporary reality.
“Florence is a city that embraces both its past and its future,” noted Risaliti. “For the first time in 600 years, a contemporary young woman, not a historical or mythical figure, takes center stage in this iconic public space.”
More Than a Sculpture: A Reflection on Identity
Price’s works often explore themes of representation and social perception. His figures, while fictional, feel intensely real, capturing nuanced expressions and postures that challenge stereotypes. Time Unfolding is no exception. The young woman’s presence in Piazza della Signoria prompts questions: What does it mean to be monumental? Whose image is deemed worthy of public space?
Unlike traditional statues that serve as static symbols of power, Price’s work feels fluid, as if the figure could move at any moment. Her posture—seemingly absorbed in the present—invites multiple interpretations: Is she reading the news? Looking at a map? Absorbed in thought? This ambiguity makes Time Unfolding an active participant in the public dialogue of Florence, a city that has long been at the crossroads of artistic evolution.
A Landmark Moment for Contemporary Art in Florence
Alongside the Piazza della Signoria installation, the exhibition extends to Palazzo Vecchio and Museo Novecento, where more of Price’s works engage with the historic cityscape. Highlights include Through a Steady Gaze (2025), a polished marble sculpture in dialogue with the Medici-era Sala Leone X, and a series of bronze heads exploring themes of representation and power.
The presence of Time Unfolding in Piazza della Signoria underscores Florence’s commitment to embracing contemporary artistic voices. It is a bold statement that art is not just about preserving the past but also about shaping the present.
With this powerful installation, Thomas J Price invites both locals and visitors to reconsider the narratives embedded in public spaces, creating a bridge between history and modern identity.
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