The view from the interior and exterior of the Basilica di San Lorenzo offers two extraordinarily different experiences for the viewer, and, in comparison, this contrast further heightens a viewer’s experience. The exterior seems to become unimpressive when compared with the richly decorated interior of the oldest and most prominent churches in Florence. Historically, this experience relates to the history of San Lorenzo’s construction. Or, rather, its lack of construction. This is mainly in part of Michelangelo’s unfinished facade plan of a grand marble exterior. Originally, the Basilica of San Lorenzo was going to be one of the most ambitious projects from Michelangelo. Yet, due to Pope Leo X’s passing, the funding from his sponsorship dried out and this project was only half finished. Now, the Basilica remains a structure without marble adorning its exterior, reminding us of the what-ifs and what could have been.

Therefore, this duality of my experience and historical context contributing to what is now seen is reflected in a diptych of the exterior and interior of the Basilica di San Lorenzo. I highlight my feelings toward the Basilica by portraying an unassuming exterior with charcoal and brown paper for an emphasis on its antiquity. And, for the inside with intricately painted detail in my drawing as I wanted to capture the splendor as well as labor of the chapel. With my piece, I strive to capture San Lorenzo’s long history as well as its effect on viewers now.